British Sugar’s decision to close its factory in York down is obviously a blow to the region and particularly unwelcome to those who will be made redundant.

However, many people have been quick to blame the EU and the Common Agricultural Policy for the closure but as David Wilmott-Smith pointed out, in a letter to the Yorkshire Post, this is wide of the mark.

Godfrey Bloom and other opponents of the EU have consistently complained about surplus farm products as a consequence of high quotas yet, when the cuts are made - as they demanded - they are the first to condemn them.

The Common Agricultural Policy is problematic but it is an issue the EU is working hard to reform. To criticise the EU for making changes long called for is both hypocritical and insincere.