I would like to make a comment in reply to Sarah Ludford LibDem MEP (Guardian, February 20).

437 years ago Queen Elizabeth I started trading with the Moroccans, the Barbary states and the Ottomans at a time when Europe was controlled by a single domineering authority. Queen Elizabeth's actions really angered the Papacy, but England unshackled itself from that EU of the past and became very much better off.

437 years later, the UK has been forced back into obeying the trade restrictions made by a big man of Europe. Queen Elizabeth got her freedom, the UK needs her's too.

Ummer Farooq, William Morris ward, Walthamstow