Living in Pershore and recently retired, I purchase and enjoy reading the Malvern Gazette every week. I have many friends in Malvern from my business days.

Like a lot of people, the first thing I read is the Letters' page, and I really must comment on the letter from M. Kershaw (Postbag, Sept 7).

Xenophobic is the wrong word in my experience of the UK Independence Party. I quote - "Xenophobia: hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers". They welcome all colours and creeds. They certainly don't have any 'hatred or bitterness towards anyone'.

Patriotic would be nearer the mark! Quote - "Patriot: a person who loves his or her country and passionately supports its interests". Where do you stand on that one, M.Kershaw?

Basically, as I understand it, they are not Anti-European, they just want our own country back for us to rule ourselves. Nothing wrong in that!

The future is not 'Orange' - it's Dark Grey with European storm clouds!

Stanley D Parr, Paddock Close, Pershore