JIM Homewood (Letters, January 27) is correct; a conflict did take place in south eastern Europe, but it was on a much smaller scale than previously. And the EU intervened on humanitarian grounds.

Because the EU does not have a permanent military force it had to rely on US air power, which for the EU is, I suggest, irresponsible.

But does independence mean that we do not become involved? After 30 years in the EU, does Mr Homewood suggest that we leave and become dependent on a superpower for our defence? We are a major trading nation. Independence could bring isolation, when the EU decides to trade elsewhere.

Would our water and beaches still be clean without EU standards?

Our peace-keeping operations for the EU in Bosnia, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Iraq would end.

Could we refuse entry to ten ex-communist countries which are eager to join the freedom the EU gives?

In "20:21 Vision", by Bill Emmett, there are lessons to be learnt from the 20th century. The people killed by war and the most murderous governments are estimated at 171.8 million with a large "contribution" from Europe. Surely any attempt to reduce this number by making it a common cause among like-minded people is to be encouraged.

The threat of terrorism is increasing and shared intelligence is the only way to combat this.

This ever changing world needs, I suggest, more inter-dependence, not independence, to achieve peace and prosperity.

J. HOLDEN,

St. Paul's Street,

Ramsbottom.