I totally disagree with the views of A V Martin and Stuart Wilson (recent letters pages). I think Europe in the 21st century is the most civilised continent in the world – have these two correspondents lived in North America, with its crazy gun culture and nothing resembling our wonderful NHS?

The two world wars were diabolical and my family was affected like millions of others. My mother never had a father for a day as he died from wounds suffered in the First World War, six weeks before she was born.

However, Europe, which has inspired many of the greatest artists, musicians, dramatists, philosophers, scientists of every description, economists et al, has been at peace for over 70 years (excluding the downfall of Yugoslavia, which was not in the EU). Anyone who has studied history knows this is a monumental achievement.

Peace is not just the absence of war. It’s a dynamic concept which involves countries working together, facing common problems such as climate change, terrorism, international crime and immigration, by seeking common solutions.

Britain is now interwoven in hundreds of ways with other European countries in the EU, with decisions taken by democratically elected MEPs, served by the Secretariat in Brussels.

Reforms are necessary but how wonderful it would be if Britain were to help Germany, France and Italy to persuade Poland and Hungary and other Eastern European countries that nationalism is not the path to achieve a positive, sustainable society.

Sure, we’ll manage after Brexit but it’s sad to be robbing our grandchildren of the opportunities our children enjoyed.

Is it really desirable to be going it alone rather than being part of a continent moving forward to a humanist’s dream?

Linda Maggs,

Church Lane,

Dunnington, York