SO the director general of the BBC warns that it may be necessary to reintroduce the annual licence fee for the old and bold, that is the over-75s.

Does he not realise that many people of this age cannot even afford to put the heating on, and sit with a coat on in an effort to keep warm, let alone pay for a TV licence?

Does he not realise that for many people the TV is their only communication with the outside world?

Does he not realise that the TV is the only form of company many older people enjoy?

Yes some over-75s can afford a licence but they are very much in the minority.

To generate further income in this way is a dreadfully misguided policy.

Can I suggest that much expenditure can be reduced by not paying such inflated obscene salaries to presenters both on TV and radio. Nobody is worth such for a week’s work, including the director general.

Does he realise that under the present structure and modern technology thousands are viewing legally without paying any form of licence fees whatsoever? This needs exploring.

To the over-75s, shout loud and strong by whatever means you have at your disposal. Get your MP involved and act now before it is too late.

Finally, a message to the director general. Hopefully you will reach 75 one day and you may realise what a companion your TV can be, even if it means watching the cricket.

Ken Thorpe,

Ebor Way,

Upper Poppleton, York

Is the EU collapsing in its present form?

I wonder if the Brexit negotiators are taking into account the possibility that the EU is collapsing in its present form.

After the Second World War, when western Europe had been devastated by the Allies, its infrastructure and industry were rebuilt with US cash and its financial and social institutions by UK expertise.

Eastern Europe had its Nazi overlords replaced by the equally-repressive Soviets and stagnated until the collapse of communism, when they rushed to join the welcoming EU.

Although they were economically much better off they soon found themselves under the shadow of a reunified Germany; one without guns and wearing Armani suits and Gucci loafers.

The deep Catholicism, old fashioned moral codes and dislike of multiculturism of Eastern and central Europe have led to increasing friction with the EU and its insistence on exactly the opposite. After two foreign dictatorships they are in no mood to submit to a third.

The Baltic states are unhappy with Germany cosying up to Russia, ignoring international sanctions and building a gas/oil pipeline in the sea to avoid paying transit dues on land.

The Southern Europeans are furious at having their economies ruined by being shackled to a Euro designed by Germany for Germany.

The Brussels faithful - France, Belgium, Holland and Denmark - are miffed at the sneaky appointment, without consultation, of the anglophobe Martin Selmayr as head of the 32,000-strong EU staff.

Only Brussels wants to have anything to do with extending to Turkey and the Balkans.

Perhaps the EU will get our £40 billion as Christian Aid rather than budget contribution.

A V Martin,

Westfield Close,

Wigginton, York