MR Fairhurst attacks "EU duplicity" in Ireland and Denmark when in fact any criticism should be directed at the elected governments of those countries.

By contrast Mr Ashton's description of the 'United Socialist States of Europe' at least makes a refreshing change given that the EU is often criticised as a 'capitalist club'.

It's a case, I suppose, of the EU being damned if it does and damned if it doesn't.

Chris Davies.

Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West.