MAY I correct Dave Goodwin (Letters February 6). The UK Independence Party is not anti-Europe, just anti-European Union.

He mentioned democracy. Allow me to compare democracy in Westminster with the EU. Westminster MPs are elected at least every five years. They debate through the various parliamentary procedures. Although MEPs are elected,they are allowed just 90 seconds to speak in any debate.

The Council of Ministers and the commissioners, who are appointed, not elected, have the power in the European Parliament. Far from being proactive, the role of the MEP is, to quote the Consolidated Treaty article 192 ? ?Insofar as provided in this Treaty, the European Parliament shall participate to the process leading up to the

adoption of Community Acts?.

Similarly the following articles make clear that the European Parliament can be over-ruled by the council. Under articles 251 and 252 of the Consolidated Treaty, the parliament can, on some occasions, reject acts proposed by the council and the commission. However, article 252 allows the council to go ahead with second readings of their proposed acts, even if the parliament has rejected a ?common position? of the council.

The continued membership of the EU deprives this country of much sought after funding that many need.

Dave Weeks

Member UKIP

Courtlyns

Exbourne