THE demise of an empire left Britain's defences in a weakened state, so its leader sought assistance from its European neighbours, who secretly had agendas of their own.

People started migrating to Britain seeking easy money, but as their numbers grew so did the concern among the British who called out to their leader to stop these immigrations.

But their leaders were corrupt, self-centred, caring more about personal gain than the people they represented, which ultimately led to the betrayal of an entire nation by its leader.

Although Vortigern's betrayal of the British to the Germans occurred in the 5th Century, given recent events I cannot help but feel that history is repeating itself.

CT Riley, Spennymoor, Co Durham.