HAVEN’T Italy and Germany got enough problems of their own to cope with without having to help us cope with ours? “Swab backlog sent overseas” (Echo, Sept 14).

The fact we’ve had to ask (beg?) their help says it all about our technical expertise (inadequate), organisational capacity (ditto) and self-respect (non-existent).

Combined with the Brexit shambles – yet again rearing its ridiculous head – it must confirm our status as the laughing-stock of Europe.

From Moscow to Madrid we must be a byword for ineptitude and humiliation.

Tony Kelly, Crook.