IT has become pretty obvious that leaving the EU is likely to be economically disastrous, unless we stay inside the single market, in which case we might as well remain in the EU and have a say in the single market’s rules.

So the Brexiteers say economics doesn’t matter, it is our sovereignty that is at risk. I would understand this, if, for instance, Europe had recently led us into two disastrous Middle Eastern wars; if Europe had military bases in our country and effectively controlled our nuclear deterrent; if much of our economy and especially the financial sector and the digital economy were controlled by powerful European corporations; if a vast amount of our popular culture came from Europe.

I am referring to the US of course. I’d suggest that Donald Trump is a much more real threat to our security and prosperity and the future of the world than Jean Claude Juncker.

Think of the issues that have been fought over and shaped British politics recently – such as the Iraq War, the financial crisis, austerity cuts to public services, funding for the NHS, schools to be academies, university tuition fees, HS2, fracking, bombing Syria, fox-hunting... whichever side you are on, these are issues over which the EU has no influence on UK government policy.

The EU’s role is limited to ensuring common standards across the single market, ensuring that UK consumers can trust the quality of imported products and ensuring member states can’t attract foreign investment by undercutting each other on workers’ rights.

And it is not undemocratic – the rules are made by agreement between the 28 democratically elected governments.

And is flag-waving nationalism really such a wonderful thing? David Cameron was absolutely right to warn that the break up of Europe could be hugely dangerous – dark forces are stirring in many countries inside and outside the EU.

In our own country UKIP and the position of Scotland and Northern Ireland are the relatively mild local examples of the instability that could result.

The idea that we will be “free at last” if we vote Out on June 23 is not even wishful thinking, it is not thinking at all. It will just make the world more difficult for the UK (if the UK survives).

The dayswhen Britaincould do exactly what it pleased in the world died with Queen Victoria. We would be far better voting with our young people (who are strongly in favour of staying In) to make sure Britain takes a leading role in Europe to address the real problems we face, such as protecting public services, dealing with the local effects of the globalised and digital economy, promoting peace and security, facing up to climate change and looking after the environment, and yes, immigration (aka the free movement of Europeans).

R Hildyard, Colburn