NATIONAL and local politicians have shown collective compassion and respect for the victims of the atrocities in the USA by their restraint in not making political capital out of an appalling situation. Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies is a different breed of course and we now witness his now too subtle attempt to do just that as his latest EU propaganda letter proves. The time scale followed by local papers regarding letters received by the Editor to publication is approximately one week. He must have written his thinly disguised attack on the USA in the 48hrs following the disaster. Shame on him.

He does not enlighten us as to his contribution to the debate in the European Parliament on terrorism but readers may like to share the report I have just received from one of our MEPs Nigel Farage on that debate. Nigel Farage offered his deepest condolences to the people of the United States "In view of the special relationship between the UK and the USA" he said "We share only too keenly their desperate feeling of loss". He went on to warn the Council and the Commission to resist the temptation to exploit this crisis in the name of European integration- where plans are being rushed through to fulfil a long standing ambition to extend the judicial area by introducing EU-wide arrest warrants.

"The people of Europe will not forgive their politicians for advancing their own intergrationist ambitions under the camouflage of ensuring their citizen's safety", Mr Farage said. He concluded "However dark and uncertain the future might be, EU member states must stand firm with the United States- as that noble country did for us in our darkest hour. Our commitment to the defeat of terrorism must be no less than theirs".

Finally a personal note, my friends and family are sending a donation to the American Red Cross. Insurance policies do not cover terrorist action. Over 2,000 children have lost one or both parents. If anyone in the North West cares to join us I will be happy to include their donation. Please send cheques made out to the "American Red Cross" to the address below.

Val Cowell , NW Press Officer, UK Independence Party