I AM not quite sure which planet Mr Richard Grant inhabits (Letters, June 11) when it comes to the EU, but it is not this one.

As someone who worked for eight years for the EU Parliament I think I have a good insight into its machinations.

The EU has destroyed hundreds of thousands of jobs in the UK, particularly in our fishing industry due to the Common Fisheries Policy.

The Common Agriculture Policy is skewed inequitably towards the small farmers of France while our hill farmers are near destitute.

We do not play a leading role in any of the policy-making areas Mr Grant mentions. EU regulations are imposed immediately, directives must be implemented when practicable.

Britain is less important in the world because we have to go along with EU decisions.

We have no authority in WTO negotiations as the EU represents us, unlike Norway which is not an EU member but does have its own seat!

Outside of the EU we would be free to trade with any country in the world, which we cannot do at present.

DAVID SAMUEL-CAMPS, Eastleigh.