UK and US interests not necessarily aligned

A bishop on the US side of the border with Mexico conducts mass through the fence. ‘Imagine the outcry from Washington if David Cameron pressed Mexico’s case for unimpeded entry of its nationals into the US,’ writes Yugo Kovach. Photograph: John Moore/Getty

So it’s OK for Barack Obama to urge Britain to remain in the EU (Report, 13 February). Imagine, though, the outcry from Washington if David Cameron pressed Mexico’s case for unimpeded entry of its nationals into the US. The North American Free Trade Agreement neither makes provision for the free movement of labour, nor would any US or Canadian politician dare advocate such a provision. In contrast, the free movement of labour is a bedrock principle of the EU. Washington has also consistently pressed the EU to admit Turkey. The mind boggles that such a greater EU would border Syria, Iraq and Iran. Then there is the migrant crisis. The EU appears incapable of controlling its external borders. America’s national interests do not necessarily coincide with those of Britain.
Yugo Kovach
Winterborne Houghton, Dorset

• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com