THE letter from Mr Bloom of February 21 exemplifies the insurmountable hurdle of getting other EU countries to support changes benefiting the UK.

On treaties, article 48TEU states that proposals to amend competencies conferred upon the EU have to be agreed by all members states.

David Cameron’s attempt to repatriate meaningful powers to Westminster have the effect of delaying a referendum which, as things stand, depend on his party winning at the next election.

Perhaps the difficulties of the Euro, the lack of competitiveness in the EU, the suicides, poverty, misery and riots in the southern European countries, coupled with a pan-European growing feeling of disengagement from the high-handed Brussels administration, will see the goalposts move long before we get a shot at a referendum.

Ian Oglesby, High Catton Road, Stamford Bridge, York.