By the speed at which Mr Lee (Viewpoints, February 8) responded to my letter it just goes to show how irritable some people become when they realise that an organisation like UKIP is performing so well in the polls and coming second (once third) in three recent by-elections.

With everything that is wrong, the EU is making things worse.

This applies equally to the mechanics of immigration (not immigrants) and money flow to the EU. The latter starves services at home and MPs still vote for budget increases when the bill is put before Parliament.

Leaving the EU would not be a precursor for British jobs and trade lost.

Free trade agreements with the EU and Commonwealth countries would still be available without the restrictions, mindful of the fact that trade, fishing, farming and legal supremacy is currently 100 per cent under EU control with no veto.

Britain would never be isolated and powerless, as we are a leading member of the UN and NATO. Our influence in the world originated with trading links, language and the ability to defend democracy.

The EU is bureaucratic and inward-looking.

Present day politicians cannot deliver what voters expect them to as most decisions are made in Brussels.

An ‘in-out’ referendum in four years’ time (why not in four months’ time?) cannot be realistically promised.

The main parties will not face up to reality.

Mr Lee has become vexatiously personal in his letter towards UKIP supporters, and quite simply shows ungracious rudeness – but this time no apology is required.

JOHN MADEN acting secretary Oxford UKIP Montague Road Botley