ONCE again Robert Readman goes totally over the top in his criticism of the EU, comparing an organisation to which countries freely apply to join – those same countries being also free to leave – with autocratic countries such as China and Russia.

Since when has any critic of the EU been locked up, detained for ‘re-education ‘ or assassinated for opposing policies which have been reached by common agreement between the countries involved?

Upholding democratic principles is a prerequisite of becoming a member of the EU, and as for its parliamentary voting system, it’s probably a lot fairer than Britain’s far from democratically perfect first past the post method, which in 2019 brought about a government of ardent Brexiteers from c44 per cent of voters, whilst over 50 per cent actually voted for parties that were committed to a second referendum.

RAY O’LUBY

Throop Road, Bournemouth