IT was so refreshing to read the article about leaving the EU by trade policy minister George Hollingbery, a man who must know what he’s talking about (Echo, Oct 11).

He sees all the advantages of being able to strike deals on our own and secure free trade agreements with countries around the world.

Of course, we will be alright. How could it be otherwise? We are a strong, resilient nation. Look at the size of us for heaven’s sake. We have always punched above our weight and been big players on the world stage.

Everybody seems to want to live here and our language is universal.

Originally we signed up to a trade agreement, not to be stifled by bureaucracy.

It may not be a walk in the park and there are some tricky issues to be ironed out, but it could be a golden opportunity that allows us to blossom and flourish. We will thrive.

Lorraine Heron, Durham