I agree with Jeremy Banyard (Letters, June 16). The sooner we are able to get out of Europe, and the idiotic bureaucracy that flows from there, the better.

Apart from the things mentioned in Jeremy's letter, why should Europe dictate what our farmers grow?

Why, when our courts have given a verdict, is Europe able to overturn that decision?

I could go on.

I mentioned the word dictate. In two world wars, men and women of our country gave their lives fighting against dictatorship.

Now we see Tony Blair poised to sign the EU's first constitution, and he will be signing away all those things that those brave men and women died for.

I urge everyone to back the UKIP in their efforts to give us back the country we love and live in, so our children and grandchildren can have the freedom so many of our loved ones died for.

A Hill,

Park Street, Ripon.

...I WAS dismayed to learn that because of the EU Constitution, I can no longer buy creosote or my "favourite garden chemicals". We must pull out of Europe now.

But, seriously, as a young woman at the start of my working life, I am more concerned about equality and fairness.

The EU Directive on human rights protects myself and other smaller minorities. As a woman, I am also concerned about the world into which I may choose to bring children.

An ideal world would let future generations experience cultural diversity, opportunities to travel, live and work abroad without discrimination on the grounds of their nationality, and have the chance of a prosperous future.

I should also like my children to be in touch with their own heritage and history - all ideals featured in the EU Treaty.

Everyone in Britain would like to see our money ploughed into healthcare, policing, education and other essential social services.

Every government after the present one will face the same protests from the public. Could a one-issue party, such as UKIP, improve on domestic issues?

Tony Blair has not relayed to us the benefits of joining Europe. This could be his downfall, because lack of information and the disillusionment of voters has allowed parties such as the BNP and UKIP to play on the ignorance of the public, using scare tactics and the threat of the collapse of the UK.

However, the European Constitution has given Britain many things we take for granted: human rights laws, a single market, political and social allegiances.

Yes, the constitution needs to be modified and fine-tuned but our money and time should be invested in a unified and enlightened future rather than an inaccessible past.

Miss L Crinnion,

St Catherine's Court,

Holgate Road,

York.

Updated: 11:16 Monday, June 21, 2004