over-optimism of the out campaign

Dear Sir,

With regard to Mike Edwards' letter in last week's Chronicle, it is true that we didn't sign up to all the laws made by Brussels since we joined in 1975.

No-one could have envisaged the changes to the world in the last 40 years and most of these new regulations are intended to make trade easier and ensure minimum standards in health and safety, environmental concerns, human rights and justice.

He is, in my view over optimistic on the effects of us leaving the EU on our European and global trade though I have no doubt we would survive.

It is his mind set that I most object to in that the new global paradigm is international team working and confidence that each country can maintain its culture, prestige and influence while working closely with others.

I am sure we can preserve our various national cultures, our vision and protect our citizens more effectively by remaining in the EU.

I am beginning to feel that the out campaign lacks the confidence in our country that we can retain our identity while staying in.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Peter Hirst

Middlewich