IN reply to correspondence on the peril of Putin ( Courant Letters , April 22), I disagree with the view that the EU is vital in protecting Europe from Russian aggression and expansionism.

If we leave the EU, there is no reason why we could not co-operate with the rest of Europe in applying sanctions against Russia, if we so wished.

Militarily, the combined forces of Europe, even including the UK, would have no chance against Russia. It is NATO, which includes the United States of course, which provides our ultimate protection. And NATO has nothing to do with being in or out of the EU.

The economic impact on our possible exit from the EU is not the main issue for many. It is the rapid population increase due to immigration and the detrimental effect this is having on the NHS, schools and housing etc.

We need to think ahead, and consider how many people we ultimately want living in this already highly densely populated island.

May I suggest, there are not many advantages in having a high population desnity, but quite a few in having a low one?

Finally, although not a farmer myself, I have it on good authority that many farmers believe they would be better off if we leave the EU.

BARRY SMITH,

Warden