THE European Union's Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 have made it illegal for Commonwealth doctors to complete their post-graduate training in British hospitals, without a work permit, before returning to their own countries.

The EU's removal of Commonwealth citizens' rights to work and live in the UK has been slow and stealthy. EU directives mean Australian and New Zealand doctors and nurses wishing to work in the UK have to demonstrate their ability to speak English. Poles, Latvians, Slovaks, Romanians and other EU citizens face no such requirement.

Commonwealth citizens, who have lived, worked and contributed to the UK for many years and who have historic links, now face deportation to make room for East European citizens from countries that joined the EU only months ago.

The EU is determined to destroy the UK's Commonwealth links. Once the UK is isolated from its friends outside the EU we will have no option but to accept the rule of Brussels.

We have given up sovereignty of our Parliament, controls over our borders, fishing rights, and many others. It is looking like the British Commonwealth is destined to join the list of sacrifices by our Government to show what good Europeans we are.

Stephen Allison, UKIP Councillor, St Hilda Ward, Hartlepool.