BILL Wiggin’s View from Westminster (Hereford Times, June 11) launched a nit-picking foray into Europe. He speaks of democracy but we know he is refusing to allow 16- and 17-year-olds their say in the referendum – along with many Brits who live abroad.

His 13.2% figure for laws coming from Europe seems a bit sniffy. It’s a better figure than Daniel Hannan’s famous 84% but Bill’s subtext seems to be that zero would be rather better. So does he want to sling out everything European? ‘No more damned recycling – everyone down to the tip?

Then he refers to the £1.7 billion called for by the grim-faced Brussels apparatchiks, along with, Lord above, the £9.8 billion 2014 membership contribution.

The UK GDP is around £1,832 billion so this expenditure is about 0.5% – about what we spend on private healthcare. And it is probably better value, helping to cement our relationship with the Continent.

For those who forget, we’ve had 70 years of peace.

ANDREW DAVIS Hillfield Drive, Ledbury