THE recent EU summit in Brussels has had some publicity and discussion in the Press, where most writers agree that a reform of how the EU is run was necessary. There were practical problems in keeping in touch with 27 members of the EU instead of the previous 15 member states.

The draft reform treaty was building on issues raised in the failed EU Constitution, but in the words of our Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon, the new treaty will not grant the EU significant new powers.

The treaty does not need a public referendum. In this country we have a parliamentary democracy and many previous treaties have simply needed parliamentary approval for ratification.

A detailed presentation of the new treaty is expected around October.

Most of the British concerns will be taken into account, as well as concerns by some other states, assured Angela Merkel, from Germany, who was the President of the EU up to July 1.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has chosen MP Jim Murphy as the next Minister of State for Europe. The Queen was pleased to approve his appointment on June 28. He can be contacted at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Ms E Whittaker, Richmond, North Yorkshire.