AS a member of the EU the UK is able to trade with most countries in the word as a result of the trade agreements already negotiated. Practically all of them are themselves members of regional trading unions, some of which are almost as sophisticated as the EU itself.

If the UK withdraws from the EU it will have to renegotiate these trade agreements with each of the countries to which we currently export. While many of them will be anxious to do business the process will take some time, particularly where a large number of products is involved.

Undoubtedly the UK could continue to trade in the meantime as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which encourages members to cut tariffs and non-tariff barriers. However, progress is slow and indeed the current proposals under the Doha Round have so far taken more than 15 years to reduce more than 20 tariffs. Moreover, there are 164 members compared with 28 in the EU. So the difficulties for and the barriers to the UK’s trade will be greater under the WTO.

Therefore we must be prepared for problems over the next five or more years. The depreciation of our currency will assist our competitiveness, but in view of the increased prices for imports it will be important to try to avoid an increase in the deficit in our balance of payments. An increase in foreign investment would help to offset any increase.

John J Blanche,

Delting, Balfron.

AFTER having been informed of the results of a scan, which involved the use of fluids brought to Glasgow from the Netherlands on the morning of the procedure, I began to wonder whether if the materials had had to be imported from the US, China, India or Turkey it would have been possible to complete this procedure in one day (as it was in this case) given the logistics and the expense involved. This, I feel, is one of the numerous small advantages of being in the European Union seldom mentioned in the headlong rush towards Brexit.

I voted to remain in both the UK and the EU, but I have to admit that, like “proud Edward’s army”, I have been forced to think again. I am not a member of the SNP or an ardent supporter of its policies, but feel that the Scottish Government’s alternative proposals regarding Brexit should be given more than a cursory glance given the amount of time and money spent producing them.

I would rather be part on an independent Scotland within the EU than part of a Britain which was not.

Brian T McFarlane,

14 Balmoral Drive, Cambuslang.

MAY I suggest that unless our Westminster Parliamentary representatives who are elected to look after our interests, but more likely to be we the people ourselves, apply the brakes and stop the mad hard Brexiters in their tracks the UK will before too long have to be renamed the DDDK, the Dystopian Dysfunctional Disunited Kingdom.

John Milne,

9 Ardgowan Drive, Uddingston.