MR N Holt (Letter, march 17) seems to have the ostrich perspective on Europe, burying his head in the sand in the belief that the issue of monetary convergence will go away if enough people vote 'no.'

I have to tell him that socialism and most of its different strands - whether Christian, ethical or Marxist - hold a different global view and since the nucleus of the philosophy grew up in Europe, it seems peculiar that as a socialist he should hold a narrow view of European partnerships.

As for where I saw that just under half of British voters favour the single currency - and that includes the young who aren't afraid of Europe and business that works alongside it - Mr Holt should look in the quality newspapers which canvass their own opinion polls.

A look through their issues of last year and at MORI polls will show this in black and white.

Mr Holt says he is content to be governed from Westminster. The Tories governed from Westminster for 18 years and whatever view of that is taken, the British electorate decided that Westminster wasn't the only place power should be devolved from.

DUNCAN McVEE, Robin Bank Road, Darwen.

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