Sir, Michael Howard need have no fear of the impact of the UKIP on a general election result (reports and leading article, June 14).
He should pledge that, if elected, he will hold an early referendum on the people’s wish to stay within the EU.
Conservative MPs should declare themselves prepared to abide by the decision and unite behind their leader in subsequently tailoring their party’s approach, within that term of government, to the people’s wishes.
Since recent experience has demonstrated that there is little difference in the incompetences of any of the major parties, Mr Howard might also gain the support of some Labour and Lib Dem voters who would appreciate an opportunity to express their support for the EU and all that it stands for.
Yours faithfully,
ROB GREEN,
10 Hazel Grove,
Braintree, Essex CM7 2LX.
June 14.
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From Mr John Harwood-Stevenson
Sir, I am a lifelong Conservative and I voted UKIP. My vote was for reasons shared, I suspect, by many. I wanted to kick the major parties into facing the extent of disillusion with the EU in its present corrupt and unreformed condition, to create MEPs who would attack corruption, to signal “no surrender” on the proposed constitution and to halt the unmistakable slide towards a European superstate.
The message intended is not “withdraw” but “reform”. If the message gets through, I shall vote Conservative at the general election.
Yours, etc,
JOHN HARWOOD-STEVENSON,
9 Redston Road, N8 7HL.
June 14.
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From Mr David Lovegrace
Sir, Since the UKIP is self-declaredly opposed to Britain’s future role in the EU, how can it agree to participate in the European Parliament at all? Like anarchists proposing to form a government, UKIP members are opposed to any British presence in the institution to which they have in my view improperly sought election. Humbug.
Yours faithfully,
DAVID LOVEGRACE,
c/o Hafod-y-Green Specialist Nursing Home for Physical Disability,
Trefnant, Denbighshire LL16 4UN.
June 14.