Dear Dr. Gabb,

In reply to your email the answers to both of your questions are "Yes", although I am pleased to say that I think it very unlikely that party policy will change in the manner envisaged by the questions.

In relation to the second question it is my view that we have already moved far too far in the direction of a federal Europe and that a substantial reduction in the powers of the EU is required.  I am happy to support membership of the European Single Market but I do not believe that (for example) the CAP and CFP benefit Britain and I am very concerned at the ever increasing tide of European interference in our domestic affairs.  As a last resort we should bear in mind that it is possible to participate in the Single Market (EEA) without being a member of the EU - a position presently enjoyed by Norway. 

I am in any event adamantly opposed to any further moves towards European integration, including the adoption of the Single Currency. 

I would like to emphasise that I do not consider that my views are in any way inconsistent with the current policy of the Conservative Party as it has been developed in the recent speeches of William Hague and Francis Maude.  Current policy is to oppose entry to the Euro and implies a negotiated reduction of the powers of the EU over the UK.

Yours sincerely,

Stephen Howd 
(PPC Cleethorpes)

Do you answer in the affirmative both of the following:

1) If elected or re-elected to Parliament, would you oppose our joining the Eurozone even if joining were to be recommended by the Party leadership?

2) If elected or re-elected to Parliament and required to choose between accepting the supremacy of European Union law in this country and leaving the European Union, would you vote for British withdrawal?

If you cannot answer both of the above in the affirmative, do you accept the line currently taken by William Hague, which is to oppose our joining the Eurozone for this and for the next Parliament and to resist any further British integration into the European Union?