PM GORDON BROWN has been reported in the press as saying "It is in the British national interest that the relationship with the US is our single most important bilateral relationship.

"It is a relationship that is founded on our common values of liberty, opportunity and dignity of the individual. And because of the values we share, the relationship with the US is not only strong but can become stronger in the years ahead".

These fine words fall on deaf ears when Mr Brown takes away our liberty and our dignity by refusing to call a referendum on the EU Treaty.

No American would ever allow their President to treat them this way.

Better still, of course, if we were given the opportunity to a vote on leaving the EU.

TERESA RUMSEY, Lymington.