AS I assumed when I voted No in the EEC referendum in 1975 the European project has proved to be a disaster.

The introduction of the Euro has been an economic debacle that will surely lead to a violent implosion, especially with significant unemployment amongst the young.

Europe has allowed its defences to crumble; its military prowess is weak and uncoordinated. Despite this it has indiscriminately allowed in outsiders who bring with them political grievances and a religious faith that is irreconcilable with settling in a secular state.

It may be true that the majority of Muslims are not violent but the converse of this is that a significant minority are, and would gladly kill fellow citizens who are not Muslim.

Given the Muslim populations in Western Europe this represents a real threat. Our political leaders have become complacent and have only just awakened to this reality.

These armed groups are barbarians and French President Francois Hollande is correct in saying that we are at war with them.

It’s possibly too late to put the genie back in the bottle, but as native citizens we have every right to be effectively protected by our political elite and Armed Forces.

Stronger measures in Europe, on top of cutting off Isis funds, would be more effective than random bombing in the Middle East.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland