WOULD like to respond to the results of the Euro elections and in particular the increased voting for UKIP.

It is of course a great disappointment to lose our MEP, Chris Davies who has performed sterling work protecting the environment, exposing abuse of expenses and standing up for those who are exercising their legal rights.

The reasons for the surge in support for UKIP are many and parts of the national media have helped to foster an unhealthy attitude to Europe.

We obviously need to strike a balance between curtailing immigration and allowing those who wish to live elsewhere to improve their life chances to do so.

It does not assist the debate to attack in an emotional manner those who are trying to hold a rational discussion about this complicated issue.

Dr Peter Hirst Middlewich