VEYING the letters of Mr Tempest over the past few months, I have come to understand his position regarding the EU.

However, this position seems to be based on the assumption the EU should be regarded as some kind of supreme moral authority, with the power to direct the future of Britain’s relationship not only with the rest of Europe but its own future policy choices.

It seems Mr Tempest has disregarded the negative consequences of some aspects of EU policy while focussing on areas which suit a primarily Neo-Liberal agenda.

For example, free movement of people within EU borders must not solely be viewed as the expression of individuals to determine their economic future, but this policy acts as a tool of big business to weaken labour regulations and employ cheap foreign labour.

Why can’t citizens of Britain put pressure on their government to protect labour and employment rights instead of hoping that an undemocratic organisation based in Brussels will sort the problem out for us?

The dictatorial and cruel nature of EU economic policy is best demonstrated by the harshly imposed austerity measures forced upon the Greek economy following the Euro crisis.

If the EU serves to protect the rights of all its citizens, where has been the opposition to the massive public sector cuts facing Greece since the recession.

Since its creation in 1957, the EU has pushed for the advancement of Neo-Liberal economic policies, which entail austerity measures, cuts in public spending and sweeping privatisation of the public sector. These factors form part of the basis for the Copenhagen criteria, which acts as the guide in which states wishing to join the EU must follow.

Now, the EU has many positives and negatives. The inter-continental economic nature of the Union has acted significantly as a barrier to stop conflict arising between European states. However, the EU has extended this policy too far regarding its relations with Eastern Europe, the example of the Ukrainian crisis demonstrating how the EU must recognise its limits regarding economic integration and that its views are not wholly shared by all those living in Europe.

To summarise, to many people such Mr Tempest, EU policy is held in very high regard and ensures numerous freedoms of European citizens.

However, it is important to always hold a critical lens up to EU policy as to determine the real motivations behind its actions.

Surely it would enhance democracy to live within a nation where we as citizens can improve our political discourse by engaging and being critical of various political expressions, rather than holding onto individual values that can not be universalised.

Jon Coombes Via email