Letter: Major's free vote mystery

Sir: The electorate's understanding of Europe is already woeful, but John Norris's statement (letter, 17 April) that "there is no prospect of the EU permitting member states to adopt the green policies essential for a sustainable future" is one of the most foolish I have ever heard.

The EU represents a framework within which 15 nation states can agree policies for their people's good. For example, aided by the Commission, the nation states have agreed to reduce pollution of our coastal waters and improve emission standards of vehicles. Currently the Commission is urging the nation states to reduce catches to sustain fish stocks - a "green" objective that the UK is threatening to oppose!

We must rid ourselves of the notion that the EU is some kind of foreign power. Sustainability is more likely working in partnership than in isolation.

RICHARD BALMER

Solihull,West Midlands