WHILE I thank Mr P Richardson for trying to answer my question (Letters, May 2), I fear he has rather missed the point.

The companies he mentions failed because they could no longer compete. My concern is that such as Nissan, who compete very well and almost underpin the economy of Sunderland, are here because they can export to the EU under tariff-free conditions.

My worry is that if we leave the EU, Nissan and similar non-EU companies will leave us to set up elsewhere in Europe.

As for his plea to “save Britain for the British”, does he mean the original pre-Celtic inhabitants, the Celts, the Saxons, Vikings, Normans and French Huguenots? What about the post-war immigrants? Then there are the Scots, who don’t seem to be that keen on being British any more.

I’m afraid it’s a global world these days and the rules are made by financiers, not governments. We need practical solutions, not flag-waving slogans.

Dave Rice, The Village, Haxby.