I HAVE to agree with David Barnes's letter criticising the European Union's crass political nature (October 13).

Our democracy will be left totally emasculated if central government by the EU becomes a reality, as the draft EU constitution has pledged.

To be relieved, nay robbed of your national sovereignty is one of the most painful experiences a country can go through.

The British people must oppose this loss of control by their own democratically elected Parliament, and insist we're allowed a referendum on the issue of a European super-state run from Brussels.

Socially and economically, we cannot afford a nation of individuals who aren't free to influence their own destinies and the destiny of Europe.

Aled Jones,

Mount Crescent, Bridlington.

Updated: 10:29 Wednesday, October 19, 2005