MAURICE VASSIE makes an eloquent point in claiming the European and British values are the same (Letters, July 20).

However, when he goes on to discuss our centuries of mutual exchange of ideas, I fear he may be looking through rose-tinted glasses.

As recently as the 20th century, we suffered over ten years of wars with European countries which cost millions of lives, and hardship for many more.

The 19th century saw the Napoleonic wars, culminating in the Battle of Waterloo; in the 16th century England and Spain were at war when England faced down the Spanish Armada.

Previously, the Hundred Years war marred the French/English relationship in the 14th and 15th centuries.

I believe that Churchill and others were in favour of closer union within Europe in the hope that it would deter future conflict.

I doubt if the creation of an ever-expanding European state with a single currency, and a burdensome bureaucracy, was envisaged.

Pamela Brown, Goodwood Grove, York