As someone who would never in a million years vote for Ukip, I have enjoyed their success – in the same way that I was delighted to see so many anti-EU parties do well throughout the Union, almost regardless of whether they were extreme left or extreme right.

And I write as a committed pro-European.

The smile of satisfaction on my face is due entirely to the fact that from almost all 27 countries, a scream has gone out that we either detest the EU or we need it changed into an organisation which is less remote, less philosophical, less self-serving, less high-and-mighty, and more transparent and, above all, more democratic, more practical and more in the service of the peoples of the Union.

Although the Greens are another party I am utterly out of sympathy with, I go along completely with Keith Taylor MEP, who is quoted as saying, “We want to be a part of Europe, but we must make sure that it is more democratic and more accountable.”

My one hope is that the primary guardians of the status quo in Brussels, mainly the conservative centre right bloc, the European People’s Party, will listen to these dissenting voices and act appropriately.

Michael Johnson, Kevin Gardens, Brighton

The so-called Ukip phenomenon has certainly ruffled more than a few feathers and the great and the good are falling over themselves trying to give the impression that they have everything under control.

It’s a “protest vote” they say and by implication “it doesn’t matter”.

But therein lies the problem: it does matter.

For years the protests of large sections of the “shallow electorate” (which includes me) have been ignored. Our views concerning the EU and immigration are not worthy of consideration.

Indeed, the previous administration spent much time introducing disingenuous measures designed to stifle debate and exacerbated our problems by opening our borders to all-comers for political advantage.

Ukip’s success has been largely attributed to disgruntled Conservatives but there is evidence suggesting that some Labour supporters now realise that their predicament is attributable to the actions of their party.

Whatever the position, there is little doubt that the influence of “older voters” who prize material security and social stability has come to bear – and our leaders would do well to listen.

Today, younger generations are said to be more socially liberal: they are less likely to oppose immigration or subscribe to ethnic nationalist beliefs; they accept diversity. Is it surprising that the main parties are striving to adopt more socially liberal policies?

But against a background where shifts in values have been encouraged by education and recent policies have been imposed on us by stealth and more particularly, without open debate, are the interests of society being served?

Whereas, in the past, changes in society were influenced by the early demise of older generations, today longevity provides the potential for a massive increase in votes and significant opportunities for older generations to bring their wisdom to the table. It is hoped that they will rise to the challenge.

Neil Kelly, Tredcroft Road, Hove

It is very easy to blame the lack of support for the Conservative party on Ukip.

The reality is much simpler: central government blatantly ignores the local voice formerly expressed through local associations.

I regularly meet with many local organisations and they all express the same thesis clearly.

They feel ignored by the professional politicians who make up Westminster today, many with no business or work experience.

Most have no realisation of how irritated are people by the continual whingeing over pay and expenses.

The ridiculous posturing of the majority of Parliamentarians after last week’s elections does not fool the public.

I certainly do not support Ukip but I fully comprehend that Nigel Farage communicates effectively with voters.

All major parties are going to be overwhelmed by the knock-on effect Ukip’s success will generate.

If all parties, not just the Conservatives, do not make radical change they will wither and be sidelined.

Roger Thomas, former chairman of East Sussex County Council