THE latest UKIP letter (Worcester News, Wednesday, March 16), suggesting that we could help Third World countries by leaving the EU, was odder than most. Such countries clearly prefer us to be in.

My former colleague John Corrie, Conservative Member of the European Parliament for Worcestershire and South Warwickshire, was for many years President of the Joint EU ACP (Afro-Caribbean-Pacific) Parliamentary Assembly.

This was responsible for shaping the Cotonou Accord, which has helped funnel so much development aid and technical assistance to Third World Countries. I happen to know at first hand how much this means to such countries.

I have followed John on to this particular assembly (though as a mere member) to represent the Conservatives. My only regret is that West Midlands MEPs from other political parties have not made this a similar priority.

It is true that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) does not help Third World Farmers, and needs major reform. But to leave the EU, and leaving France no longer challenged, is the one sure way to ensure CAP reform never happens. What we really need is a UK Government prepared to fight for such reform. If voters support the Conservatives at the coming General Election we shall get one.

PHILIP BUSHILL-MATTHEWS,

Conservative MEP for Worcestershire

European Parliament, Brussels (and Conservative Office, Sansome Place, Worcester).