I couldn’t agree more with Prof Linda Colley (Britain and the US once ran the world. Now they’re all at sea, 14 June). Since the 1960s an unjustified sense of entitlement has permeated our society from top to bottom. I am sure this played an important role when people voted in last year’s EU referendum.

Those of us who have lived and worked abroad for any length of time are often more aware of how the rest of the world views the UK. There is still much to be proud of. We have been punching above our weight for years. The only problem is that our competitors, in terms of both material and human resources at their disposal, are just getting heavier. Are you listening, Messrs Johnson, Davis and Fox?

John Marriott

Lincoln

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

• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters