LIBERAL Democrat MEP Christopher Huhne obviously prides himself on being "pro-European" (Letter, December 29).

Dare I suggest, that most of his constituents might prefer him to be "pro-British"? After all, he was elected to promote our interests, not those of Europeans in general.

But, as Mr Huhne, knows perfectly well, all this "pro-European" and "anti-European" business is just a sad attempt at mudslinging, and a substitute for rational argument.

He also knows that it is not Europe, but the dangerously flawed political organisation of the European Union, which is the focus of criticism - and not only in this country.

And he surely knows that many of the British critics of the European Union are not just concerned about the future of our own country, but that of Europe as a whole.

As chairman of the UK Independence Party in Maidenhead, I know that almost all our members have personal connections across Europe - friends, family, business contracts - as well as in other parts of the world.

But there is a difference between his friendship with our neighbours, and the marriage that Mr Huhne would like to impose on us.

Alas, the poor Liberal Democrats have a chronic problem, which may explain their passionate European Unionism.

The British electorate refuses to entrust them with national power - indeed, with each general election they attract fewer and fewer votes.

There must be a temptation to seek to circumvent the British democratic system, since this has failed to deliver the power they desire.

And as they can never hope to form the British Government, might it not be better if that Government simply ceased to exist?

Dr D R Cooper

Belmont Park Avenue

Maidenhead