ANTI-Europeans peddling myths and falsehoods about Europe in your letters pages are, sadly, to be expected, but their continual packaging of them in the Union Flag has become nauseating.

Together with much of the right-wing national Press, they treat this country and its people with contempt and ritually denigrate Britain in the guise of being 'patriots.'

If they are to be believed, there exists a conspiracy of Johnny Foreigners, hell bent on destroying a '1,000 years of history,' including roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. We, the citizens of poor old Blighty are apparently so feeble and stupid that we can't even see it, let alone prevent it.

On the contrary, Britain is a powerful, prosperous and great trading nation. We are part of Europe, geographically and members of the European Union.

Our membership of the EU has increased trade and prosperity, protected the environment and strengthened the rights of working people.

Nearly two-thirds of North West exports go to other EU countries and more than 400,000 jobs in the region depend on that trade. This trade will increase with the expansion of the EU from 15 to 25 countries.

Joining the euro will make Britain more influential, maintain our economic stability, increase investment, trade and jobs and, ultimately, make us all more prosperous.

GARY ARTHURS, Regional Director, North West in Europe, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester.