I DO not like referenda and such undertakings are not an essential part of democracy. We elect and pay MPs to find out the facts and vote for what is right and in the interests of our country as a whole.

If one examines the facts, one has to at least conclude that the issue of “in or out” of the European Union has nothing to do with patriotism.

Purely subjectively, one has to also conclude that it would be more difficult for the UK to be “out”. The UK is likely to be split, with Scotland wanting in; the UK will lose its powerful say in world affairs without the backing of the EU; the UK will take a leap in the dark in its trade with the EU and to make assumptions on a successful renegotiation of a trade deal is a lottery.

In or out, the UK will have to conform to EU trading and standard practices but will have no say; there will be fewer subsidies for UK farmers; residency and travel will be more difficult for UK citizens and job opportunities will be curtailed.

Environmental issues will be more complex to deal with. Legal issues will be frustrated, affecting company law and individuals. Education, currency issues and movement by air, rail and road will also be affected.

No more EU grants for anything.

The UK will not be invited to summits and discussions, which will be of common interest, and the suggestion that there is dictatorship from Brussels is just cheap rhetoric.

The UK government has always had the option to say “no” to Brussels’ directives if these are against our national interest. Reform, rather than withdrawal, is in our national interest and the thinking of Ukip and the like is based on irrational emotion, as well as rather ignorant assumptions.

That is why I left Ukip.

We may at present be doing well but we are not a major power like Russia, China or the US, and the hope of a good deal on trade and a seat at the top table, and no loss of employment and business, is too much of a leap into the unknown which, in any event, is certainly going to cause destabilisation. It took much effort and hardship to put Britain back on its feet.

So, say “yes” to Europe and the UK, and “no” to experimentation with our way of life and our economy.

Those who believe in “Rule Britannia” are not necessarily the real patriots, but those who believe in Britain’s greatness in the world as it is now and believe in a healthy and powerful contribution of the UK in Europe are the true patriots.

Why should we give away our right to influence Europe and the free world when Britain has made such a positive contribution in the past?

Do not look for patriots among the knaves but rather among the realists in modern politics. That is what is commonly known as “realpolitik”.

Cllr Bernard Borman, Leyburn