THE recent outbreak of the 'Banana War' between America and Europe is a clear example of why Britain needs to be part of the European Union, for all its faults.

This 'Banana War' has broken out because America is not getting its own way. It could easily pick off the individual European countries, such as Britain and France, for whom this is an important issue. But because Europe has stuck together they have not been able to.

The Americans have targeted certain products such as biscuits, cashmere clothing and bed linen which they know would hit the economies of countries like Britain and France hardest.

This strategy has two aims. Firstly, to weaken British and French resolve and, secondly, to send a message to other European countries - if you don't break ranks, you're next.

The Americans are terrified of the Europeans standing together, which is why papers owned by people with strong American business interests are so hostile to Europe. Like every playground bully, they know that they lose their power when their victims stand together.

Councillor DAVE HOLLINGS, Sudell Road, Darwen.

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