WITH the duplicity for which he is renowned, our Prime Minister has promised the UK a referendum on our EU membership but, of course, subject to certain conditions.

First of all the Tories must win the next election, something which is highly unlikely if the polls are to be believed. The second is dependent on his being able to re-negotiate our terms of membership of this stagnant organisation.

This is impossible the way Cameron wishes to proceed as the terms our several leaders agree to without consulting the electorate, make it clear that power and authority once ceded to the EU cannot be reclaimed.

He knows this only too well. The sole way of altering our terms is by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and informing our euro-partners of our intention to leave the EU. This course of action Cameron has already dismissed, thus reducing any promise of honest debate preceding a referendum to mere mealy- mouthing, something that Cameron is good at.

The German delegate at the conference emphasised that 'All EU decisions must be made in Brussels'

Our beloved MP, super-ambitious Harper in his 'Wide of the Mark' column, enhances his promotional chances by repeating the Cameron party line regarding the position of both Norway and Switzerland, two of the thriving economies of Europe. The idea that, in order to trade with the EU, they must abide by the EU rules, is utter nonsense. Europhiles believe that global trading standards are dictated by the EU, and refuse to accept that there are more powerful and efficient organisations which formulate these rules: for instance The World Trade Organisation both Norway and Switzerland can negotiate directly with such commercial bodies and safeguard their own interests, advancing their own trading potential and, most importantly, refusing to obey any rule that they find repugnant or damaging to their economy. This latter stance is accepted by the other countries as the amicable relations are damaged.

On the other hand, the UK?is represented at the WTO etc by an EU commissioner as we are forbidden by EU regulations from negotiating on our own. This faceless, unelected official purports to represent 27 countries in the EU, upholding the preposterous diktat that 'one size fits all.'

Therefore the UK?is not truly represented at all as has been seen by his country's decline since joining this wretched club. Norway and Switzerland help to formulate the rules governing world trade, while the UK complies with the EU regulations which emanate from WTO and others, the interpretation of whose standards are not in the best interests of this country.

Although the Euro­philes don't like it, by looking after themselves both Norway and Switzerland have thriving economies whereas the UK remains moribund. Europhiles rely on half-truths and downright lies to state their case – the alleged 50 per cent trade with the EU is another spurious claim – just like they did in 1975. If the electorate falls for these tricks again, then the country will indeed be sunk!

– Cy Roberts, Forsdene Walk, Coalway.