The sheer brass neck of the French beggars belief. Having suffered severe storms over Christmas they now beg our help in restoring their electricity system.

I cannot recall any French help when similar disasters struck this country in 1987 and 1990.

Nevertheless, we have sent 100 generating sets and attendant engineers to help out. The fact that both London and S.W. Electricity are French owned may have some bearing on this. As a result I suppose we will suffer a lower priority. In this village we have been waiting three weeks for a contractor damaged cable to be repaired in order to restore street lighting.

The French will of course offer their gratitude in the usual way. By closing ports at will, blocking British trade, illegally fishing in British waters, burning British trucks with little or no compensation. Blocking beer exports, illegally boarding and detaining a Royal Navy vessel, and trying to subvert Nato, for their own political ends.

British politicians should learn from history. Europe only ever cost this country two things: blood and money.

Blood in the form of one and a quarter million British and Commonwealth war dead, who helped defend and liberate France in two World Wars.

Money in the form of a £3 billion net per annum paid to Brussels. This money helps fund the infrastructure and industries of those countries that compete with us in World Markets.

I suppose if one were looking for an expression to describe it, Marie Antionett's would do:- Let Em Eat Cake.

FED UP NORMANDY VETERAN,

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