I MUST congratulate Nil Desperandum on the fine letter of June 27, lifting the lid on the corrupt and unaccountable EU biltzkrieg to bully us all into a federal European superstate, whether we like it or not.
At least the misinformation and referendum offered to the UK in the early 1970s made some attempt to convince an unsuspecting electorate that there would be "economic" gain from closer trading links with fellow "member states".
This was, of course, the "big con", understood only too well by Wilson, Heath and successive British Prime Ministers. The real aims of the "European Project" are much more sinister, despite denials by treasonous Europhiles and the Establishment over the years.
The EU Constitution (or Lisbon Treaty), on the other hand, is deliberately vague – a massive tome of clauses removing yet more of our long enshrined Sovereign powers to a foreign autocracy – all in the name of "harmonisation".
The real content wasn't explained to the Dutch or the Irish, who rightly voted against what they couldn't understand. Even the French – whose leaders dreamt up this plot in the 1950s – rejected it!
Newer members of the club, the Czechs and the Poles, with recent histories of domination by a superpower, are now having second thoughts. Iceland left the EU, while Norway and Switzerland refused to join.
Blair's election promise of a referendum on the EU was a vote winner. Brown's cowardly refusal to honour that pledge is an affront to democracy, knowing only too well what the result would be, and, of course, cold feet after the (EU) Regional Assemblies vote.
DM Caslaw,
Sunderland

Rosy view of the Aquatic Centre
I WAS interested in J. Wilson's comments (Echo, July 8) regarding the Aquatic Centre. I'm afraid he views the whole situation through rose coloured spectacles.
I ask myself is he/she a daily user? I note the address given is Washington. I don't know how many times per week J. Wilson uses the facilities, but I fear his comments are quite unfair.
There are still many snags that need ironing out. All is not perfect within or outside the pool.
Parking facilities were provided alongside the pool, but because of cars reversing out of their parking places into oncoming traffic some accidents occurred, hence parking there was stopped. There is very limited parking on the forecourt for blue badge holders but not enough.
True, there are ample car parking facilities at the Stadium of Light, but the nearest and largest car park is closed to users of the Aquatic Centre – see notices to that effect.
Many of us, all-year-round, winter and summer, seven-days-a-week swimmers are in the 76-80 years age bracket and the trek from the blue car park in inclement weather to the pool and back with a strong easterly blowing means one is going to be wetter outside than in the actual pool.
One must not forget the coming dark mornings and, for Sunderland ASC swimmers, the evenings, too.
In conclusion, 19 home matches means August through to May at least. True, the pool may be one of the best in the country, but other competitive swimming clubs are not going to plan their fixtures to suit Sunderland AFC, even if Sunderland ASC can. Can you envisage the chaos during match days?
MJ McCarthy,
Sunderland

Worried about GP practice changes
I AM writing to you about future changes in the NHS and in particular the changes that may occur in general practice.
The information we the patients are getting is that Lord Darzi appears to have instructed Sunderland Health Authority to introduce Darzi GP practices and a Darzi health centre.
The patients who have taken a interest in these proposed changes can see several problems and of course the main problem is that you may not be able to see your regular GP and that of course could be difficult for many patients. The medical staff at our practice agree with us, that our health care will suffer as a result of these changes.
We, the patients, ask you to halt the proposed changes and leave us in the capable hands of our present doctors.
We don't want these changes, thanks.
F Hargrave,
Sunderland

A good read,
by George
I ENJOYED reading your article about George Reynolds.
Over the years we have watched and listened to stories about George, and I have always been interested due to the fact he came from our area and even in his very rich days he never forgot his roots.
Regarding the new direction of his career I believe he will have a wealth of material for his after dinner talks, I imagine it will be interesting amusing and entertaining.
I would like to send my best wishes to George and wish him success in his new venture.
Gladys Chilton,
Pennywell,
Sunderland