Better in the EU than out of it

Dear Sir,

In response to Don Micklewright's letter in last week's Guardian, the benefits of remaining in the EU include the free movement of capital, people, goods and services, the substantial health and safety, environmental and human rights regulations that are designed to protect our citizens and the reduced bureaucracy that comes from the former.

More specific benefits include the massive reduction of making mobile phone calls back home when on holiday or business, the substantial support our local farmers receive from the Common Agriculture Policy and the increased opportunity for students to travel and gain valuable experience during their studies.

Then there are the advantages of being part of a larger entity that allows us to play our part in combating various serious issues that face us such as terrorism, poverty, climate change, the threat of hostile action, human rights abuses and the trafficking of counterfeit goods, people, arms and drugs.

I share Don's love of this country and its people and unlike him see plenty of good things happening such as a more diverse work force, a more realistic view of our place in the world and the retention of our values such as fairness, tolerance and respect.

I would welcome the opportunity to debate these issues in a public forum closer to the referendum and am confident that as your readers learn more about the EU, they will increasing share my view that we are better in than out.

I of course am the first to admit that it needs major reform so we can keep our individual cultures and that it does not meddle in issues that are national matters.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Peter Hirst

Middlewich