Sir, – Surprise! The EU Commission want two billion euros from us. This raises some questions: Is it within the rules? Yes. Did our government know about these rules? Yes. Is it reasonable? No. Is it necessary? No. Is it fair and equitable? No. Should we pay? No.

The EU wagon has been running on three wheels for a long time and, if it does not work, we should get off and walk.

To turn up at every meeting with a broadsword is not the answer. It only leads to confrontation and makes enemies, and I believe that negotiated co-operation is preferable.

We have many issues to sort out here in Britain and the constant problems with the EU only sidetrack us from what really matters to us.

To demand such large sums within such a short timescale is unprecedented in commercial and business terms and is likely to cause destabilisation of the British economy, after many years of hardship, when some EU countries just hold their hands out without matching our enterprise and care.

France and Germany do not need the money; the EU administration in Brussels does not deserve it. I, as a citizen, am quite happy with one Queen and one Parliament.

Therefore, let's get out of this irreparable organisation and re-negotiate a co-operation and friendship treaty. The government's policies are confusing and pointless, and only UKIP is consistent in its policies. So, take your pick, EU or UK.

So far the Prime Minister has notably only objected to paying by the required date, he has not said "never".

Cllr BERNARD BORMAN UKIP

Brentwood, Leyburn.