MADAM – I feel that I must take issue with Robin Butler over his attempt to blame the EU for the lamentable fiasco that was this year’s Lille Braderie (‘Blame the EU for Braderie’, Letters, ATG No 2310). The responsibility for this disaster falls squarely on the shoulders of the Mayor of Lille, the perhaps overly cautious socialist politician, Martine Aubry. It had nothing to do with EU legislation but everything to do with fear of terrorist attack! I would also add that had Britain not used the EU commission as a dumping ground for second-rate failures we would have been better served in Europe and might not now feel the need to leave.
Derek Rogers (thankfully living in France) Via email
MADAM – I am surprised that there was space for an anti-EU rant only remotely connected to the antiques trade in the last issue.