We are now facing new battle of Britain

Sir, - If anyone had doubts about the function of the European Union they ought to listen carefully to Messrs Juncker, Barniers, Verhofstad and Tusk as well as Angela Merkel, lined up like Panzers ahead of the Brexit negotiations.

They will discover that any illusion they had that the EU is a benign organisation, respectful of its member states is fantasy.

This arrogant selfserving elite has made it perfectly clear that any nation not complying will be dealt with harshly and brought into line.

The menacing, antidemocratic rhetoric and punitive threats emanating from unelected, unaccountable commissars is designed not only to make any meaningful discussions over Brexit virtually impossible but also to cow into submission any nation thinking of their own exit.

The political divide is not now between Remainers and Leavers but between those who have identified the threat to our freedom and sovereignty from Brussels and those who would like us to submit to claustrophobic control.

The EU feels it can break the will of the British people.

Aiding and abetting them is our own Scottish National Party who by seeking independence, wants to break up the United Kingdom, impoverishing Scotland so that we’d have to grovel as supplicants accepting whatever restrictions were imposed by the terms of entry into the dysfunctional club known as the European Union.

This is a new battle for Britain, our ancient democracy, sovereignty and our union. Iain G Richmond. Guildy House, Monikie.

Picture: Press Association. Prime Minister Theresa May greeting European Council president Donald Tusk outside 10 Downing Street.