SIR - On Valentine's Day, HRH Prince Charles came to Brussels to air his concerns about global warming.

He praised the EU's ambitious plans to cut CO2 emissions and to boost the use of renewable energy.

He said: "Surely this is just the moment in history for which the European Union was created."

At the end of his speech, MEPs from all parties gave him a standing ovation.

All except one party, that is. The UKIP MEP stayed seated, because he said the Prince was pushing for more EU powers.

His Royal Highness is by definition non-party-political. He is by definition a champion of our country. Yet he came to the European Parliament to talk about climate change with MEPs because he believed that on such an issue the EU was a force for good.

By staying seated, the UKIP MEP showed not just ignorance of the issue, he showed a disrespect to our Royal family which was frankly shameful.

PHILIP BUSHILL-MATTHEWS MEP