VAL Cowell makes a number of criticisms of Conservative MEP Philip Bushill-Matthews (You Say, December 10).

Mr Bushill-Matthews has a far more positive view of the European Union than the one I hold, but his views are not held by all those in the Conservative Party.

Britain will only withdraw from the European Union if a significantly large number of MPs support such a course.

Those who support the UK Independence Party have effectively isolated themselves from mainstream British politics and are winning votes for the Labour Party.

A UK Independence Party majority in Parliament is an unfeasibility and a Labour or Liberal Democrat Government will only ensure further integration into Europe.

If well-meaning patriots in the UK Independence Party want to make a serious impact on British politics, they would do better to join the Conservative Party where they can work together with like-minded supporters of our national sovereignty.

MATTHEW A CLARKE,

Hallow,

Worcester.