IT is to be hoped, in the general mood of cynicism pervading British society over MPs’ expenses, that voters will not be tempted to wash their hands over the whole political process, but will show their sense of civic duty by voting in the European Parliament elections on June 4.

The democratic right to vote was won only by the self-sacrifice and dedication of our forebears who treasured the rights and privileges which went with it.

When one speaks of rights, one must not forget the associated duties which are incumbent on the public to ensure that it votes for candidates of a democratic party (of whatever political hue) which intends to pursue the aims of the founders of the European Union.

It would be foolish to vote for candidates whose explicit intention is to beat the drum of extreme nationalism (Little Englanders) in order to wreck an association of European states that has brought untold benefits to its contributors.

Only someone ignorant of the tremendous political, economic and social benefits which the EU, despite its failings, has brought about in its member countries can maintain that the plan for a peaceful, pan-European association of states has failed to achieve its goal.

Robert A Murphy, Newcastle.

GIVEN that the three main parties are mired in the expenses controversy, which has shown a significant number of MPs/parasites taking the hard-working – if you have a job – taxpayers to the cleaners, it is expected that the smaller parties will massively benefit in the European elections. I dearly hope this is true.

I for one will be voting solely on European issues, such as rising unemployment under Labour; being denied a referendum on the European Constitution after the party reneged on it promise; ending uncontrolled migration into the UK due to unrestricted borders within the EU; the issue of “British jobs for British workers”

as Gordon Brown promised to protect and then failed to do; complete withdrawal from the EU as a result of not being given a referendum; the continued decline of our traditional industries; and in support of protectionism – to ensure the UK government acts to defend our borders, jobs and people.

I hope there is a party out there that fits the bill, and will continue to scrutinise election leaflets as they arrive before deciding where to place my vote.

Mark Anderson, Middleton St George, near Darlington.

I WAS on the No.11 bus going into Darlington the other day, when I heard a fellow passenger say how sick she was with how our politicians behave.

She continued by saying that she wasn’t going to vote in the coming European elections. She said that she’d got the voting form at home, but couldn’t be bothered.

To her, and everybody else reading this, please vote. It’s the only way to show politicians what you think of them. And if you don’t want to vote for one of the three main parties, there are many other candidates you can vote for.

So, on June 4, do the most grown up thing you can do with your clothes on – vote.

Tony Pattison, Darlington.