SHORTLY after reading Paul Campbell's letter "1975 vote not for superstate" (Your say, September, 24) in which he states: "...The executives of large companies are elected to the board and can be removed by the shareholders, etc," I read in my daily paper an article headlined: "Revealed, where the city sharks made their killings."

I then read another article about "fat cats", whose greed has brought the global financial system to the brink of collapse. Then I read that this year the UK has slipped to 16th in the league table of least corrupt nations. I have also read recently that we have the highest levels of crime, drunkenness and "yobbish" behaviour in Europe, as well as the worst health service provision. Is the EU to blame for all this?
If it can be proved that it is then I would agree that we should pull out and distance ourselves from the rest of Europe as quickly as possible.

Another point to consider are recent criticisms of the democratically elected Calderdale Council (not that I agree with all the criticisms) which clearly demonstrate that there is much disappointment with our democratic methods. Quite simply, I want something better for our country. I believe that a democratically-elected European Government, with regional assemblies in all member states of a United States of Europe would be better than what we have at the present time. Again, I ask what is the alternative? Of course I have had my doubts on occasions. This summer for example, when I discovered that many French and Italian people had never heard of Julie Andrews and the film The Sound of Music.

I was sorely tempted to walk away in disgust and think why bother?
After the recent problems of our financial institutions, however, I no longer have any doubts! Our future lies within a United Europe.

Brian Hanwell