IN 1975 we voted on a common market with very little politics – some warned of ambitions to create a United States of Europe.

Is anyone contented with the renegotiation just presented?

No powers return to our parliament and we must comply with existing EU Treaties.

Sovereignty is surely the most important factor.

We must be able to control our affairs without reference to another superior body.

The European Court of Justice reigns supreme over our legal system.

It’s argued, leaving the EU puts us at greater risk of terrorism: the Belgian Intelligence Service didn’t share information about the gunman on the train to France or about those going to commit the atrocities in Paris. The risk is already there.

The terms of the Lisbon Treaty are preventing honest criticism; Lisbon Treaty ‘Article 2’ 4. The Union shall establish an economic and monetary union whose currency is the Euro. ‘Article 3a’ 3. The member states shall facilitate the achievement of the Union's tasks and refrain from any measure which could jeopardise the attainment of the Union's objectives.’

During a conference on our EU membership, one speaker, the UK member of the EU Court of Auditors told conference that false accounting and fraud amounted to 7 – 17 per cent of the EU budget. He had no powers to hold the EU to account.

The EU has been given, and taken, powers which could be used oppressively against people who have no way of holding them to account.

Leaving is the only and safest action available because of the uncertainties of unelected, unaccountable government.

Roy Garner

North Road

Yate