WITH reference to AV Martin’s letter regarding Britain’s global legacy (Letters, January 19): I fully agree that a knowledge of history and its interpretation is essential when considering important events such as Brexit.

Mr Martin suggests that our political involvement with Europe ceased with the loss of Calais, but does concede that we curbed the ambitions of Napoleon and Kaiser Wilhelm the Second, to name two.

He might recall that at both the Congress of Vienna in 1815, and at Versailles in 1918, Britain along with its European allies did much to reshape the political boundaries of Europe in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War respectively.

Equally during and after the Second World War Britain and its allies again helped to shape the political map of Europe.

For this Britain has justifiably earned respect both from within Europe and globally. Mr Martin might wish to consider a letter that appeared in the Times newspaper on January 18 from German political and business leaders, which begins ‘Without your great nation this continent would not be what it is today...’ and concludes that they want us, the British, to stay.

So we should. Britain has the capability to fight its corner in the EU, and maintain its historic prestige globally.

Britain has for centuries been a central player in determining the course of Europe. We cannot edit history to suit our beliefs.

Steve Bell,

St Paul’s Terrace, York

Corbyn must put his own ambition aside

WHILE evidence from polling suggests that most grassroots Labour members support the Liberal Democrat policy of a second referendum on the final terms of the Brexit deal, with remaining in the EU as an option, Jeremy Corbyn stubbornly refuses to lend his support.

His obsession with votes of no confidence and blatant desire to force a General Election (which there is no evidence that he would win) to put him in power is putting us ever closer to a no deal situation, which would be disastrous for the country.

Mr Corbyn is, of course, a long-time opponent of the EU.

His apparent conversion to the remain camp was lukewarm and his campaigning was half-hearted and ineffectual. Now, he seems more concerned with getting into power rather than finding a solution that the majority support.

With the latest polling showing that 54 per cent of the electorate now wish to remain in the EU, the inaccuracies in the leave campaign (Turkey joining the EU, £350 million a week for the NHS, 40 trade deals being ready the day after we leave) are being rumbled.

Mr Corbyn needs to put personal ambition aside and put the interests of the country first by supporting demands for a People’s Vote.

If he does not, the current torrent of Labour members joining the Lib Dems in protest at his stance may focus his mind.

Tony Fisher,

West End,

Strensall,York