I AGREE with so much of what Ukip members Charlotte Bull and Dave Brothers have to say about the subjugation of British powers to the EU, but I fail to see how having a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty would make any difference once it had been ratified, and the upheaval of a referendum, in or out, as disingenuously proposed by Ukip and Liberal Democrats, is not practical given the dire problems Britain needs resolving in the near future.

It is worth looking at the Conservative manifesto, which is in favour of engaging in the shared challenges of all European countries and promoting British interests. It also seems sensible to try and restore some control over legislation not suited to us.

Voters need to ensure they don’t waste their votes on fringe parties with unattainable aims, and that Lib Dems/Labour pro- European pandering to the EU does not blight our future.

Tony Blair’s previous alarmist, but totally unfounded claims that Britain would be isolated outside the euro are now echoed by Nick Clegg. What a blessing we are not in this straightjacket one-size-fits-all fiasco. Its financial emergencies could even threaten its very existence.

John Heslop, Gainford, near Darlington.