MADAM - In A View From Westminster, Herald of March 27, Hugo Swire MP set out the way in which new regulations from the EU will cause cuts in fire services, force up council tax and have a damaging effect on retained fire-fighters.

MADAM - In A View From Westminster, Herald of March 27, Hugo Swire MP set out the way in which new regulations from the EU will cause cuts in fire services, force up council tax and have a damaging effect on retained fire-fighters. He went on to express his great concern at the devastating effect of European directives and red tape on jobs and rights.

So far, so commendable. But he is silent on how, or even if, an incoming Conservative government would take back powers from Brussels over UK employment and social regulation. Many people are concerned, like him, about unelected commissions and courts in the EU laying down how we should live. So long as the Westminster Parliament is a branch office subject to overriding laws from Brussels then so long will MPs like Mr Swire be reduced to being 'very concerned' but impotent at the outcome. The EU continues to issue directives and create bureaucracy and red tape to the detriment of British workers and jobs. We need to know from Mr Swire what Conservatives, if elected, are going to do about it.

David Saunders

Chilterns

Boughmore Road

Sidmouth