Norman Grech claims to speak for the entire population of Malta. I suggest he removes the enormous chip which he carries round on his shoulder concerning the George Cross and stops going on about this issue in which he seems to represent a minority of one.

We Brits are profoundly grateful to the wonderful people of Malta who fought such a critical role which helped to speed the end of the war. Yes, Britain, with the blessing of the people, having chased out the French, was welcomed with open arms to Malta. In due course they left and independence was granted to Malta. Yet the two nations have always maintained a great friendship ever since, which hardly suggests the slave and master relationship alluded to by Mr Grech.

Britain was not and is not, as letters to this publication bear out, an ungrateful nation. Indeed all of Britain's territories at the time took part in the great wars. Yet it was "little" Malta that was rewarded by the King, genuinely recognising the whole nation's efforts in such a unique way.

I have actually spoken to many Maltese about the George Cross on the national flag and overwhelmingly people have said they have no objection to the cross and would be more than happy to keep it. I am certain that if a referendum were held the result would be the same.