VAL GIBBONS, of Seymour Drive, Dartmouth, writes:

At intervals, I have criticised the inefficient and undemocratic European Union on this page. I haven't needed to moan of late though because even the europhile BBC has had to bring its farcical bloomers into the full glare of publicity, and we have all shaken our heads, in the sure knowledge that there is worse to come. How did we become party to this idiocy?

There is only one reason why; in the 'Common Market' referendum 40 years ago, the trusting British folk voted 'yes'. We had no idea that the free-trade organisation would metamorphose into The United States of Europe. Well, we couldn't trust any of the main parties to be honest with us then, and we still can't take them seriously.

Britain is a principal financial contributor to the Brussels Juggernaut so, of course, Angela Merkel is keen for us to remain in the EU; Britain is also Germany's biggest trading partner! There is no way that they will shun us if we leave.

But neither Merkel nor Hollande intend to allow Britain to reclaim lost rights of powers. Why should they? The larger the EU, the less the 'majority voting' operation allows for independent decisions, ie it's us against the other 26. The only realistic way is to leave, and that really is feasible.

Over the last decade, Britain has turned outwards to the growing markets around the world: Asia, Africa and South America. There, demand for our goods and opportunities for our firms will continue to expand.

UKIP's goal is well documented but the party is not simply concerned for our national and international well-being.

Find out about the plans forhousing, planning, education, jobs, the greenbelt, energy and wind farms, etc in Dartmouth's Guildhall on Friday. Starting at 7pm, an open meeting is being held by UKIP South West MEP Trevor Colman; Cllr Julian Parrott, UKIP chairman elect Torbay Council; and Martyn Cocks, the UKIP candidate for Dartmouth and Kingswear in the county council elections.

Also present will be Diane James who very nearly claimed the Eastleigh by-election recently, beating both Labour and Conservatives.