EU funding is '˜not a gift'

The term “funded by the European Union”.

It is always intended to imply that it is a gift from those nice people in Brussels, a latter-day Lady Bountiful.

However the reality is that there is no such thing as European funding.

Recycling our own money is not funding.

We pay Brussels £55million a day, £350million a week, to remain part of this European project.

We then receive part of this money back, but only to fund projects of which the EU approves.

Once received, the recipient of this largesse must display a plaque saying “funded by the European Union”.

The implication being it is a gift – which it is not.

The story of inter school co-operation, the exchange of skills, friendship and ideas between schools across the continent of Europe, is nothing new.

It has gone on for decades, long before the creation of a political project called the European Union.

Sadly, all that is happening here is what I consider to be the political indoctrination of children.

I’m certain the children are freely taking part in a totally laudable objective.

However, what I consider to be the political manipulation behind the scheme is something altogether different and should be exposed.

It must not be allowed to happen in our country.

Dave Pascoe,

Press secretary,

Ukip Hartlepool branch,

Dunbar Road,

Hartlepool.