Paul Nuttall tells us all how wonderful this country was before we joined Europe (Letters, July 5, 'Time for joy').

The truth, however, is a different story. We were economically very weak. Most manufacturing companies were under capitalised, inefficient and beset with labour problems. We remained in that position until the exploitation of North Sea oil presented a great lifeline.

Europe was overtaking us, industrially efficient, growing socially, and with their combined power becoming a world influence, as we declined.

Britain was known as the dirty man of Europe, our rivers in the main devoid of life due to industrial pollution. That remained the position until we joined Europe.

In the north of England the river Wear was dead through industrial pollution, while the Mersey crawled towards the sea due to massive toxic chemical pollution.

Europe forced us as a partner to clean up rivers and beaches and that, apart from Sellafield, has held pretty well.

Terrible air pollution in the Midlands from foundries, iron works, lead works, electro-plating companies and the full range of asbestos manufacturing damaged the lives of thousands of people. Europe demanded and achieved resolutions to these situations.

We would still be smoking in public places if Europe had not directed us to stop.

Europe has made us responsible by example, led with open Government.

Our press was controlled by ‘D notices’ which protected the privileged classes from adverse, unwelcome publicity. Reporters were imprisoned for printing the news!

Yes wasn’t self-rule a comfort to us all? I say not! We should thank Europe for saving us from ourselves.

We now face a real struggle establishing a new position in a world that sees us as an unreliable partner, with a weak currency .

Mr Nuttall’s contribution is to look back and re-run the failures of the past when we were anything but great.

Graham Vincent

Economy Portfolio Holder

South Lakeland District Council