I’VE been asked by what criteria do I judge the European Union to be a failure (Letters, April 7).

My response, sir, is that this organisation has impoverished millions, its economy has stalled, politically it is strong at enforcing petty regulations that cause friction within and between member states and yet on major global issues such as the migrant crisis it is utterly powerless to act.

The most damning indictment however is that, despite all the uncertainty involved, Britain voted to leave it.

The years 1815 to 1914 are accurately designated Pax Britannica after Napoleon’s effort to dominate the continent under a single despotic regime was defeated.

This period demonstrated that the only effective way to hold territories that are highly diverse in culture, language, law and economic development together is by empire.

Other nations hypothesised that cultivating federal alliances would guarantee there could never be a war.

Captain Blackadder did however identify a tiny flaw in that plan.

This perfectly reasonable objective does not need all the political, legal, and economic baggage that comes with the European Union; abstinence from war between civilised nations should be totally unconditional.

Regarding Nicola Sturgeon, I’m irritated every time I witness her consistently neglecting the most basic functions of government to the ruination of Scotland, while shamelessly directing blame at Westminster and the union to further her personal ambitions.

For the integrity of the United Kingdom we need the Scots to Bute her out.

Dr Scott Marmion, Woodthorpe, York