ONE is pleased that Lord Nigel Lawson is leading the out vote over Europe.

But we should remember that he once backed our foolish entry into the ERM which was described as being like a snake which allowed the economy of each country to rise and fall according to requirements.

The snake proved in our case to be a mistake, and what is termed the "Red Queen Syndrome", or negative equity.

This means we have to run just to remain where we are. There is no doubt that some MPs have not rejected us rejoining the monetary system at some stage.

Also the Prime Minister's attempt to change the rules on Europe is doomed to failure,

The rest of the EU leaders enjoy taking huge amounts of money from us, especially the French, who allow their farmers to claim silly amounts of money when they have two cows, a few pigs an the odd chicken.

Have no doubt EU MPs will fight the out vote as hard as they can. Most of them are doing very well.

Why does nobody question why the auditors refuse to sign the expenses, and other money used by the EU MPs? Even those caught cheating the system are not punished like the House of Commons MPs.

Gordon Cross

Kent Court

Bolton.