SIR - Eric Firth is once again singing the praises of the EU (T&A, June 12), saying it has taken countries such as Greece, Portugal and Spain out of poverty.

I am genuinely happy these countries have become more affluent, but I would rather this EU funding didn't come at our expense - £40 million per day!

There are also some very poor people in the UK, but where is their help? Ah, that's right there is no money left for them!

Mr Firth then claims (T&A, June 18), we anti-EU writers are speaking through the emotions of hatred. We do indeed speak through emotion - not hatred but passion. We are passionate about our country and our freedom.

Mr Firth rejects our claims that a majority of the public are euro-sceptic, and states surveys provide cold hard facts.

Well the Independence & Democracy group commissioned a YouGov poll which asked the question: "If a referendum were held, which would you opt for?"

Fifty per cent said Britain should leave the EU, 34 per cent said we should remain, and 17 per cent said they didn't know. This, Mr Firth, is a cold hard fact!

Jason Smith, UKIP Bradford & District Chairman, Woodlands Avenue, Queensbury