EUROPE: WE need to keep the whole of the demise of the British fishing industry in perspective.

Simply ask these questions: Who has been in control of the fish management policy for the North Sea for the past 30 years which has resulted in the current ecological disaster? Who surrendered one of the most productive, self-sustaining and correctly managed fisheries in the world? What nation has ever given up such an asset, and don't forget that 80 per cent of fish stocks were in British territorial waters, to join a political association that would take over the running of its fisheries?

There is one simple solution. Demand the re-instatement of our 200-mile limit because the EU's Common Fisheries Policy hasn't worked.

Allow British fishermen to work with British ministers to manage and police the fisheries correctly, and allow foreign vessels to fish the waters under strict licensing procedures.

Will this be possible? Not a chance, because it will require the agreement of all of the Member States.

In 2004, the ten new countries joining the EU will also be given 'quota'. And the politicians try and tell us that we need to be at the heart of this political farce to have influence.

Thirty years of influence has led to where we are at now. Our own elected representatives are the culprits. Yet again, as with our democracy, it was not theirs to give away. - Neil Herron, Sunderland.

CAN any europhile or enlightened MEP tell me what justification there is for having parliaments at both Brussels and Strasbourg?

Both buildings have been built and are being maintained at vast expense to the EU taxpayers.

MEPs are expected to trundle down the motorway from Brussels to Strasbourg, complete with all their entourage, and sit for just three days a month at that parliament. Then they trundle back up the motorway to Brussels. What a waste of both time and money.

What justification is there for this expensive fiasco? The answer is power.

The French consider that having a parliament at Strasbourg gives them additional power in the EU. Power which they will not give up and so this stupid wasteful arrangement is set to continue indefinitely.

This is just about what you can expect from the EU, a massive struggle to be top dog with Germany and France at the fore. - K Peacock, Hurworth Place, Darlington.

WE are being warned about possible terrorist attacks - perhaps we are more at risk from the enemy within.

Our country is being slowly taken from us, not by foreign terrorists, but by our own Government and our so-called allies in the European Union.

From country sports and traditions to politically-correct claptrap and the latest plan to let burglars go free, we now appear to have no say in this so-called democracy.

Every step we take has to be cleared by the EU and if Mr Blair has his way it will get worse.

Public protest is ignored, so until voters wake up to this imminent loss of country and our right to rule in Britain, we are on a slippery slope. - Anne Riddle, Leyburn.

WILDLIFE

RAY Mallon questions whether the control of wildlife is acceptable (Echo, Dec 20).

Our wildlife and its environment are being destroyed to the extent that much of our wildlife is on the verge of extinction. It is time we first questioned our behaviour and started to put back what we have been abusing for so long.

We are a small nation in size that has for centuries created a beautiful countryside and wildlife, unique to these islands.

In the last two centuries the population of these islands has more than increased six-fold.

England in particular is facing a calamity on an unacceptable level concerning our environment and the wildlife, it seems, is a nuisance that will simply have to make way for people and their greedy, selfish way of doing things.

As for the hedgehogs, maybe the birds they are talking about are those bred specially for the money folks and their shooting parties.

They could be relocated to the mainland but I suppose that will cost us and we can't be bothered. Easier just to slaughter them, after all, they are only vermin. - John Young, Crook.

ARMED FORCES

I WOULD sincerely hope that as the New Year approaches, we stop to reflect on the possible consequences of the troubles we as a nation face in the coming months.

While we all have different political views and opinions, I hope we remember our armed forces, who despite problems with equipment and commitments the world over, diligently carry out their duties with professionalism and courage. They stand proud above many a shame-faced politician.

While we enjoy the festive season and rest easy in our beds, pause for a moment or raise your glasses to the lads, lasses and families who will carry the ultimate burden and worry. - Jim Tague, Chairman, Bishop Auckland Branch, Conservative Party.