'Those who want to leave the EU seem to be living in a past world'

The UK is a comparatively small country in a world that has become globalised and greatly interconnected.

Large corporations dominate trade. Within the EU Britain has the chance of controlling their activities (which is doubtless why Rupert Murdoch’s newspapers want us out).

Outside we stand no chance; corporations would expect us to meet all their demands or would go elsewhere.

Reforms to the EU are necessary, but not the ones Cameron is seeking. We need a more democratic structure with the EU parliament given more powers.

British Conservative governments have been largely detached from Europe (pandering to the eurosceptics in the party); criticising from the sidelines instead of engaging and using our influence as one of the largest EU countries.

Immigration has made Britain a more interesting and dynamic society (not just since we joined the EU, but over hundreds of years). We have proved perfectly capable of welcoming other cultures, incorporating the best of them and changing the worst.

There are issues about our capacity to absorb large numbers (overcrowded schools in some places, for instance), but these could be addressed by proper government help, instead of the hands-off, the market will provide, policy of the present government.

In fact more government action, both at a national and EU level, would be helpful, for instance encouraging jobs where people live, rather than expecting them to move to work, often where housing is an issue.

Martin Wright

Sale