EUROPE: SEVERAL polls in Europe have found that people in Britain have very little accurate knowledge about Europe and the European Union, but it was surprising to read (HAS, July 2) that someone was "fed up with the Prime Minister trying to rush us into Europe".

It was Harold Macmillan, Conservative Prime Minister, who in 1961 took the decision to apply for membership of the European Economic Community, forerunner to the European Union.

He set out his reasons very clearly in a pamphlet that ended with these word: "To many of us, and to our younger generation in particular, the time is past for harping on old disputes and nursing obsolete conceptions. We want to see Britain taking a lead in building a new future... The European Community is a signpost to that future and we must play our part."

It took us a long time before the application was accepted. In 1973 Britain became a member. Under a Labour government, the referendum was held in 1975 which confirmed the desire of the UK population to join by an overwhelming majority. Can it really be unknown to some of your readers that, if you are a British citizen, you also enjoy the status of being a European citizen with a number of recognisable privileges such as the right to set up business anywhere in Europe, freedom to move around, possibility of study abroad and the right to medical care if in trouble. - E Whittaker, Richmond.

ISLAM

PETE Winstanley (HAS, July 3) maligns the West (again) and paints a rosy picture of Islam.

I have a friend who is Nigerian; living in that country he tells me that Christians like himself are treated with contempt by Nigeria's Muslim rulers and are having Sharia law imposed on them. This law means hands amputated for thieving, flogging or stoning to death for adulterers, beheading for murderers, homosexuals and anyone who speaks against Islam. An effective way of silencing the opposition. - Anthony Wallis, Middlesbrough.

IDENTITY CARDS

I agree with Mr Blunkett when he says that you have nothing to fear in an identity card.

We had them during and after the Second Worold War. You needed one to obtain a ration book, without which you would starve. They were also meant to identify German spies and deserters.

The idea is good, but it won't work. You need policemen on the streets to question you and where are they? Conspicuous by their absence. - Jim Ross, Rowlands Gills, Tyne and Wear.

GALA THEATRE

I HAVE been very saddened recently to read about all the troubles which have befallen the Gala Theatre but, amid all the brickbats aimed at the city council and the theatre administration, we must not forget one fact.

Durham City finally has a wonderful theatre and it is incumbent on all of us to make it work, rather than deluge it with adverse criticism. As both a performer and a spectator in this marvellous venue, I would like to speak out in its favour.

In common with all new theatres, the Gala has initially had some problems, but we should all be trying to solve those problems, to ensure the final success of the venture.

Let us stop the back-biting and start rejoicing. The Gala Theatre is there for all of us to use and enjoy. Many people are working hard to overcome the initial setbacks, but it will only be successful if it has the backing of the entire community, and that includes the Press. - Anthony Smith, Durham.

SHOPPING CENTRE

I HAVE received a complaint about the poor condition of the Festival Walk shopping centre at Spennymoor. In particular, to the rear entrance and the drains and gullies.

Council tax payers in Spennymoor inform me that they pay very high council taxes yet receive very little investment compared with other areas of Sedgefield borough.

I personally want a major regeneration of the Spennymoor shopping centre and the old gas showroom converted into a retail unit. After all, it is situated in a central position.

I understand that funds are currently limited, but a coat of paint on the Festival Walk facia boards, and the lampposts painted and repaired, would not cost much money and would help improve the image of the shopping area and help us attract extra shops to Spennymoor and support existing shops. - Councillor Ben Ord, Liberal Democrat, Spennymoor Ward, Sedgefield Borough Council.