Reply to Douglas in Halifax -

Leaving the EU would put the country on a one way street to economic ruin. Of the three planks of the UK economy - North Sea oil, the City and trade to Europe - all are in some way connected with EU membership.

(1) Leaving the EU would act as a catalyst to the break-up of the UK, with Northern Ireland eager to replicate the achievements of its larger neighbour and Scotland looking to establish itself on the world stage and disassociate itself from English occupation. Scotland leaving would mean many North Sea oil resources also leaving English coffers.

(2) the City thrives on its ability to attract the biggest companies to the FTSE and AIM. Why would these companies continue to invest in a country riven by differences and situated outside the world's largest trade bloc? Frankfurt becomes a much more attractive alternative.

(3) The UK outside the EU, like a state bordering the US but outside it; Cuba and Mexico are good examples. Enough said!

Geoff, Tunbridge Wells, EU

It is a shame to see what is being considered to be an alternate choice to Labour. Really would the Lib Dems, or the Conservatives do a better job? It is highly doubtful they would. Perhaps it is now time to shake the democratic foundations and vote for something completely new. UKIP or the BNP may not be the ultimate answers to Britain's problems, but they would solve some of them that should have been if there were leaders in the House with the guts to implement the solutions to them. The economy is by far the biggest issue that needs tackling, but so does leaving the EU, cutting back or halting immigration, the spread of Islam in Britain, reversing the rising crime rates and empowering the police services. The top three parties will never realistically tackle these issues but the alternatives will. Perhaps it is time to try something new. I mean the damage is already done. What more can Britain lose?

Douglas Cochrane, Halifax,

I'm puzzled by your reference to this being the highest Conservative rating since 1992. A YouGov poll published by the Sunday Times in December 2007 put the Conservatives on a higher rating.

Mark Pack, London,