Letters - June 8, 2016

I have long been a great admirer of John Major, however, I cannot hide my disappointment that he used such strong language when he said that the Brexit statements were deceitful.

I would point out that, in the 1975 referendum, in the campaign for us to stay in the Common Market, not a mention was made of us becoming part of a political bloc. Now that was deceitful.

In that referendum, I did in fact vote that we should continue to be in that Common Market.

However that turned out to be the biggest confidence trick ever played on the electorate.

So is it any wonder that we older voters do not trust our politicians on the question of what they say on Europe, when, since 1975, treaty after treaty has followed, each time taking more and more powers away from our own parliament.

The very worst treaty being the Lisbon Treaty, which took away a country’s right of veto, and also has the words that it aim is to work towards ever closer union. Please note how, after that last Treaty in 2008, even the word Community has become Union.

The problem we British have, is that (unlike our European partners) we argue the detail of treaties, but once agreed, we apply the rules to the letter, to our detriment.

The original concept of a European Common Market, as explained to us in all the campaigning in 1975 has changed beyond all recognition. We did not back then vote for all the softly-softly gradual transfer of control of our laws to Europe.

The trouble is, all or most today’s politicians are too young to remember the above historical facts, as are the young voters.

I feel convinced our young people will have a better future with Britain being in control of their destiny, NOT Europe.

I urge all the young voters to not make the mistake that I did when I was young. I urge our young to vote LEAVE which is for democracy, being governed by our own Parliament which they will have the powers to change at elections.

Marcus Hill

Staining

EUROPE

The Leave campaign is running on empty

The exasperation felt by the Leave the EU campaign is obvious for all to see.

They have lost the argument on the economy and jobs because their figures don’t add up, they are now resorting to untruths and repeating old myths about the EU such as, the discredited lie regarding straight bananas, in their vain attempt to persuade voters.

Their claim they would negotiate a trade deal with the EU, as some other countries have, while at the same time cut immigration, is total nonsense.

The countries outside the EU, such as Norway and Switzerland, who have negotiated trade deals had to accept the free movement of people’to obtain the trade deal. Boris Johnson and Michael Gove know this, but are happy to mislead people.

They claim we should trade with the outside world. We already do that – the EU negotiated a trade deal for member states with Vietnam.

Britain joined the EU because our manufacturing industries needed to be part of the world’s largest single market. That need hasn’t changed. Some four million jobs are reliant on this easy access to the EU. Half our exports go there. It is inconceivable that anyone would feel we would be better without this easy access.

Nissan stated they chose to build their plant in the North East of England because the UK is in the EU. They understand being able to easily export to the rest of Europe is very important. Most large manufacturers support the Remain campaign.

Europe is undoubtedly safer because of the EU. It would be absolutely foolish to rely on Nato alone, as a Blackpool Conservative councillor suggested we should.

Jack Croysdill

Chairman, Blackpool North/Cleveleys Labour Party

EUROPE

I was Out in 1975 ... but now I’m In

In 1975, I voted against joining the Common Market.

Last week, I realised why I have changed my mind.

On holiday in Portugal, I met a group of young people from Britain, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. They were looking at facilities for older people as more of us live for longer and problems of dementia create new difficulties. In the divided Europe of the last century, these people would have been fighting each other with bayonets and bullets. Now they are working together using their brains and books.

We take for granted how much that Europe has changed for the better. For the sake of all these young people whose future is at stake in the EU Referendum, I will be voting to remain in a united Europe this time around.

May Thomas

via email

CHARITY

Thanks to all those who made a splash

Diabetes UK would like to extend our thanks to the 1554 swimmers who took on our Swim22 challenge during spring.

Individuals and teams swam 22 miles each, the same distance across the English Channel, in their local swimming pools, raising £165,000 for Diabetes UK’s vital work. We expect that over £200,000 will be raised once all the sponsorship money has been delivered.

Money raised will help us to fund research into diabetes, campaign on key issues, and offer education and support to more people who are living with the condition.

If you would like to take part in one of our fund-raising events, see what we have coming up at diabetes.org.uk/fundraising

Lara Dobson

Regional Fundraising Manager

Diabetes UK