THE ten European countries which recently joined the European Union must be the ultimate example of jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Having been oppressed for years under the monstrous Soviet Union they have succumbed to blackmail and bribery by joining the EU.

They were told they wouldn't be able to trade with EU countries if they didn't join and at the same time they are being bribed with the promise of handouts from taxes.

How long before it all ends in tears?

Britain should again take the lead in setting the people of Europe free from tyranny and corruption by not only rejecting the proposed constitution, but also tearing up all their ludicrous 'treaties' and going back to a common market we all thought we had joined in the first place.

Stephen Feaster,

Chairman, Ryedale Branch, UK Independence Party,

Cropton,

Pickering.

Updated: 10:16 Thursday, May 13, 2004