Councillor Pearce, writing after the election results (Letters, June 6), considers that UKIP are now a party to be taken seriously. However, what responsibility have they ever taken for running anything? Their only solution to the nation’s problems seems to be to blame Europe and the immigrants.

They may have been voted into the European Parliament, but they have nothing to offer. UKIP only stands for isolation and insularity. We are a trading nation and Europe is our largest and closest market, and it cannot make sense to distance ourselves. Working in a constructive manner doesn’t mean agreeing to everything, but at least you can win respect and influence. By following UKIP’s policy on Europe, we will have zero influence.

UKIP may consider they were given a hard time by their opponents but actually they got off pretty lightly. With all the discussion on Europe and immigrants, I can hardly remember any probing questions on their policies for education, welfare or the economy. If they have got any policies for these topics, I think voters may be in for some shocks when they discover what they are. — Alex Wilson, White Close, High Wycombe