Why we lefties don't rate the euro

In his article on the line-up for and against the European single currency, Ian Aitken made one serious factual mistake (Weird bedfellows, March 4). I never appeared on a joint platform with Enoch Powell.

Margaret Thatcher and Jeremy Thorpe were both strongly opposed to having a referendum and voted against it in the House of Commons. Indeed, she made it clear that she would not accept a 'no' vote.

Those on the left who oppose the single currency want close co-operation but are not prepared to see Europe dominated by bankers we do not elect and cannot remove, administered by commissioners we do not elect and cannot remove, who threaten democratic accountability in every country in the European Union, including Britain.

We should develop our partnership agreed through the Parliaments we elect and my Commonwealth of Europe Bill, which I am reintroducing, would make that possible.
Tony Benn MP.
House of Commons.