Sir: Although I was certainly en- tertained by Sally Vincent's
article (20 March) on the anti-Common Market demonstration I feel I must correct two impressions that readers may have gained from the article.
First a specific point. Although there were indeed members of Hornsey Young Conservatives showing their support for Europe at this demonstration we were only a small section of the pro-market demonstrators who came from Young Conservative groups all over London under the auspices of Greater London Young Conserva- tives.
However there is a second, more important point and I feel I must correct the impression given by Your article that we (the Young Conservative demonstrators) are frivolous in our commitment to Europe.
For preceding the hot pants and balloons of the demonstration has been much discussion and de- bate among London ycs leading to our policy of a deep and active commitment to British entry.
And this belief in Europe is not Just based on bread and butter con- siderations (although I believe that entry to the Common Market will result in a substantially faster growth in the British standard of living) but upon the beliefs that Britain must not become insular during the next hundred years or so but must find a place of in- fluence, and that this place must, geographically, politically and eco- nomically be as an important and influential part of an important and powerful Europe.
In one important respect Sally Vincent summed up our feelings correctly. For we do feel that this is an issue of special concern to Young people, since we are look- ing for a place in the world for the Britain of our future, a future that many members of the older gen- eration are failing to consider.
• Mike Harris Chairman, Hornsey Divisional Young Conservatives, London N19
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