We were lied to on Europe – now we need a referendum (From Daily Echo)

We were lied to on Europe – now we need a referendum

9:30am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Readers' Letters

THE truth about our entry to Europe is that Ted Heath lied to us.

He sold our fishing industry down the river for a start. He must have knowwhat was intended.

We have lost so much control over our country. European judges rule our courts, particularly with the dreadful Human Rights Bill.

Successive governments have not had the bottle to do anything about it.

The whole European thing is about Germany being top dog.

They are trying to accomplish what they could not do in two wars. If people lend you money you are obligated to them as countries are now finding out.

Case in point is Ireland. We were there in 1972 and were amazed at how poor everything was – rundown cottages and neglected donkeys in the fields. About six years ago we returned and were amazed. New roads, new buidings, everything looking good. We said: “That’s what Europe’s money does for you.” They must have spent it as if it was growing on trees. Now they are paying for it.

Now some people want a sort of federal Europe. They should look at the former Yugoslavia – six ethnically different peoples forced together. We have been going to parts of the country for years.

When we first went in the 1970s they were all still proud of their ethnic backgrounds. As soon as Tito’s strong hand was gone it all started to fall apart. Why? Because the Serbs wanted to be top dog.

We were there the year before the war and there was a strange feeling in the air. Our young guide was very annoyed when asked if he was a Serb. He said: “No I’m Montenegran.” This was followed by the dreadful war. In all these situations there is always someone who wants to be the big cheese, and eventually the underdog rebels. We don’t need another war.

Mr Cameron needs to grow a backbone and stop sending money to bail out other countries. We need it ourselves Finally get us out of the Human Rights Bill. We deserve a referendum, a straight Yes or No.

THELMA ASH, Bishopstoke.