WE WHO voted in 1975 to remain in the European Economic Community ignored the warnings of dissident cabinet members and other political figures such as Tony Benn and Enoch Powell whose objections at that time were based on their belief that ever increasing integration would lead to political union.

Just 12 years later, our country had been signed up to the European Union by none other than that famed “Euro-sceptic, Margaret Thatcher! In the event of a decision to leave, there will be considerable disruption and it will be a protracted and difficult process to extricate us from the mess in which we were placed.

Hindsight would suggest that the Channel Islands were wise to refrain from signing anything since the Treaty of Rome to trade freely with the Common Market.

However, we have to react to the situation as it exists now and attempt to predict how this will affect our future: not an easy decision and certainly not helped by posturing politicians with pre-determined arguments, as there will be huge challenges to the political and economic wellbeing for our country, in or out of the EU.

The choice next month is: to stay in, under the extra, cumbersome and “federal” tier of government that was never envisaged by many UK citizens, or attempt to cut loose with impunity and on favourable terms at a time of great uncertainty, with inevitable risks to our prosperity.

It is time for the “in crowd” to admit that the UK’s sovereignty will be irretrievable with continued EU membership. Those who urge a vote to leave should produce some evidence that the economy will prosper and that markets will remain firm, in spite of the uncertainty!

As the Chinese say, we are living in interesting times, so let us hope for a big turnout on June 23 and that, in time people may look back and feel that the decision was the right one, for everyone’s sake.

Bill White

Icen Road,

Weymouth