READERS of your letters page in recent weeks have had to endure the grubby spectacle of UKIP and Tory supporters throwing insults at each other as they compete for the Europhobe vote. The result is that both parties are discredited. Fortunately, voters can stay aloof from this sleazy contest. The sensible choice for Britain is to play an active and positive role in the European Union, as we have done for the last 23 years. As the Foreign Secretary said last week, ?Britain?s withdrawal from the European Union would inflict massive damage on British jobs, trade and influence in the world.? Through our membership of the European Union we protect our prosperity and our independence. If we were to withdraw, we should be poorer and weaker. There?s no contest; it really is that simple! Christopher Denne Churchtown Farm Sydenham Damerel WITH reference to Graham Booth?s letter on January 13, I have always noted that you generally get flak when you are over the target. Not only does Mr Booth exacerbate my concerns about the shrillness of UKIP missives in the press, but he also impressed me with his selective listening. As most of us do, he knows full well that the Conservatives are pledged to submit the EU Constitution to the British people in a referendum and he also knows that the Conservatives are pledged to campaign for a ?No? vote. As his leader, Roger Knapmann, has stated recently, such a vote would provoke a massive re-examination of Britain?s involvement with the EU. As Mr Booth is aware, this would leave UKIP with nothing to do and nowhere to go. That is why, like it or not, there is no choice for those of us who wish to see our country survive but to vote Conservative at the coming election. Chris Park Westlake Farm House Lifton