I SUPPOSE the ignorance about the EU shown by the various UKIP supporters (Letters, June 6) should not surprise anyone. After years of constantly being fed distortions of the truth by the Daily Mail and Express, the comments made are equally confused.

The crisis in Europe is part of the 2008 world economic crisis which the UK is also suffering from (ask qualified youngsters looking for work) but conveniently blamed on Labour by the current government.

The issue of how much finance one country puts in compared to what it takes out is a red herring. It is how economies, including ours, have grown — it is a supportive organisation. We actually gain far more economically overall than we put in; why do business leaders argue it is so important?

There is no conspiracy of a United States of Europe where Brussels wants to lead us. Agreements are made with all countries involved and, as adults know, this involves give and take to allow an eventual agreed outcome.

The European Commission, which, of course, does have British citizens working for it, implements policies which have often been vitally important, such as lower pollution emissions from cars, safety standards for machinery and, of course, work regulations such as the minimum wage, which is crucial to so many in this low paid region.

Before the misinformed say we could do that alone, it would be of little point. The environment doesn't end suddenly at the Channel and the thousands of our workers employed by such as Nissan and Toyota would lose their jobs because those manufacturers, along with many others, came here precisely because we are a part of the European Union.

UKIP wishes to blame without suggesting alternatives. It's easy to criticise and look back (or forward) to an unreal world where Britain would always be right, but that's not 'the real world'. It's hardly surprising that UKIP is incapable of making rational policy to the extent that its officials have suggested buying these in ready-made from consultants!

Britain needs to be in Europe, and Europe needs the UK.

Ian Gasper

Marshall Close

Tavistock