What the EU did for us is in Cameron’s review
Mr Hughes asked, “What exactly has the EU done for us which is worth sacrificing our right to seek self-government?” (Letters, 27 August).
The answer is set out in great detail in a study commissioned by Cameron’s government and first published in 2013: ‘Review of the Balance of Competences between the United Kingdom and the European Union’. It is on the gov.uk website and is easily found online.
An editorial leader in the Financial Times (03.01.2015) said, “Pro-Europeans should be presenting the positive case for continued membership and preparing for a future referendum.
"The evidence for the advantages has been set out in the government’s report on every dimension of the relationship [the Review above].
"Sceptics had hoped a hard-headed assessment would support their thesis that Britain is typically a hapless victim of excessive interference from Brussels. To the contrary, the review has pointed to the tightening economic interdependence of Britain and its partners, and the value of the EU in safeguarding UK interests well beyond Europe”.
Alas, the Government, Labour and the Lib Dems did very little, thus leaving the field open for the Leave campaigners to claim that it was simplicity itself to leave and be immediately better off.
Do I think there should be a second referendum?
No – the matter is too complex. It should be left to parliament to argue it out.
Mr M Carter, Minsterley
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