DONALD Tusk is trying to impose “tough terms” for us walking away from the European Union. He states that if we wish to trade with the EU then we must accept free movement of people, the very thing which caused many people to vote to leave on the June 23.

Mr Tusk needs to be told that while access to the single market is desirable, it is not essential for the UK. On the other hand EU access to British markets is a virtual necessity for them. Outside the EU we have nearly 200 other nations with which we can trade, and many of them have already indicated they want to trade and deal with us on terms which do not include unlimited immigration as part of the deal.

Meanwhile trade goes both ways and if the EU cut off our trade we can put a block on them selling to us. However, since they sell us billions worth of goods per year more than we do them, it is they, and not us, who will come off worst from any trade war. The UK is one of the biggest importers of goods from the EU and as such they threaten us at their peril.

Also the terms “EU” and “Europe”’ are not interchangeable. The EU only represents about half the countries in Europe. Despite his sabre rattling Mr Tusk can do nothing about our deals with the rest of the Continent.

Mr Tusk is threatening the UK for only one reason. He is attempting to prevent other EU members from demanding their own referendums over leaving and by trying to impose hard terms on the UK he believes he will frighten the French, Germans, Dutch, Danes and about seven other nationalities who also want to leave, into staying.

The EU is on the verge of collapse, and its only response is to threaten and bully other members. The sooner Article 50 is triggered, the better.

TONY MOLLAND, Former chairman, Devizes Constituency UKIP Association