MARK Starr declares "UKIP is clear the existing structure of local government serves our needs" (Letters, Thursday, December 30).

What utter nonsense - under present structures, Worcester is invariably at the end of the queue when it comes to central government handouts, whether for police, transport, education, social services, whatever - you name it.

Also on December 30, we had contributions from L G Arnott of Sheffield and John Smith of Cumbria. Both sound like UKIP supporters.

In a pathetic rigmarole, L G Arnott shows himself as xenophobic so far as those who favour the European Union are concerned. Clearly the cap fits - he should wear it.

John Smith worries about defence economies. The UK spends a larger proportion of gross domestic product on the Armed Forces than most other countries.

At a time when pensions and social services generally are under threat, it is appropriate that savings should be made in defence provision where that is possible.

Incidentally, the German government has sent troops abroad only on peacekeeping operations, at the behest of USA, and in the teeth of opposition from within the country itself.

No threat therefore, from that quarter. Germany does not possess WMD.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.