SIR - Jason Smith of the UKIP is talking nonsense when he says that: "All other European countries are worried about the destruction of their democracy and traditions as the EU forges ahead with its policies of European harmonisation" (T&A, August 2).

That would imply there is some bigger power, called the EU, only out to destroy itself.

The EU is not an entity; it is a union of 27 countries, each of which has willingly shared some of its sovereignty for the better good and protection of all.

All 27 have a say in the way the Union is run.

It amazes me that UKIP wants to have Britain standing alone while the other 26 would have jointly huge economic power, as well as keeping their individual traditions.

John Murray, Moorside Road, Honley, Holmfirth