AS stated in The Phillpott File (Evening News, June 12) there were those who were opposed to the then "Common Market" on the grounds, rightly or wrongly, that it was a "capitalist club".

However, Mr Phillpott chooses to ignore the fact that, at the same time, the majority of the Conservative Party, especially the Daily Telegraph, favoured Europe.

The club then changed its name to "European Union" and developed a social dimension. The two British parties then charged places with Labour following the Union and the Tories opposing it (especially the Daily Telegraph).

In the recent General Election, the Labour Party preserved its dominant position, the Liberal Democrats made appreciable gains, while the SNP and Plaid Cymru held their ground.

These are all pro-Europe parties. Meanwhile, the Tories failed to discernibly improve their position, while UKIP and other wildly anti-Europe parties on both the left and right of the political spectrum performed dismally.

We must also note that, while they majority of the Conservative Party is opposed to the EU, the most able people in the party, such as Ken Clarke, Michael Heseltine and Chris Patten, favour Europe.

Before the General Election, Tony Blair and William Hague alike, appeared to regard the campaign as being in the nature of a referendum in regard to the single currency.

Surely, Tony Blair has a mandate to go ahead and join. Referenda cost money - money that would be better allocated to the NHS.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.