Did you know ... ?

1. Direct from Britain the EU FREEPHONE telephone number is:

00 800 67 89 10 11

The people in Brussels are very helpful with such items as directive numbers and website information.

2. Your local government wastes your taxes.  Voluntary contributions are made to the government quango SERA (the South Eastern Regional Assembly.  This used to be SEERA but the word England was dropped!)  In 2007/08 East Sussex County Council paid £22,587 and Wealden a further £4,518.

3.  In the year ended April 2008, one thousand five hundred and sixteen laws were passed by the EU with impact on the UK.  There is nothing our democratic process could do to overturn those decisions.

4.  The media in general (television and press) are biased against UKIP.  For example, the BBC broadcast daily Conference specials on behalf of the main parties.  UKIP got 2 x 2 minute slots!

5.  Tobacco farmers in the EU are subsidised in excess of £450m per annum for growing the plant.  At the same time member states are compelled to stress the danger to health on all tobacco advertising.  What a waste of money!

6. Chocolate harmonisation.  It took 25 years of negotiations and cost £millions (no one can even give an estimate) to reach agreement on standard chocolate production.  Continental manufacture is 100% cocoa butter (dark hard product) whilst UK producers add other nut oils, plus milk.

7.  The cost of running eight quango Regional Assemblies is approaching £28m per annum, including £12m in salaries.  Assemblies are exempt from the 2000 Freedom of Information Act.

8.  EU employees are privileged to travel home for Christmas "all expenses" paid.  The cost in 2007 was £40 million.  Was the turkey included?

9.  £758 million was the cost of the Millenium Dome to which the government contribution (Lotto) was £628 million.  So much for lottery money going to good causes!

10.  The recent fall in the value of the pound sterling has raised the ugly head of the UK joining the euro.  71% of the British people are opposed to the joining.  [ICM poll published New Year's Day 2008.]

11.  The rules regarding the size of letters and numbers on vehicle plates have been reduced from 57mm to 50mm.  You must be able to read the plates from 65 feet, formerly 67 feet.  Can you tell the old plate from the new?