I’M sure I am not alone amongst your readers in seeing the forthcoming referendum on EU membership as a defining event.

Like most people I welcome the opportunity for a proper debate of the implications of both possible outcomes, so it is disappointing to read the hysterical ramblings and silly name-calling contained in Mr D Haskell’s letter of February 24.

To take issue with some of Mr Haskell’s comments, even after thorough searching I have been unable to find anywhere a declaration by Mr Cameron that we can anticipate no longer being able to trade with other European countries if we leave or that we are at risk of any change in the situation relating to immigrants wishing to enter the UK.

Please tell me when Mr Cameron suggested that we would be subjected to trading embargoes?

The valuable trade between the UK and other European States will continue in both directions unabated driven only by the pursuit of profit.

We are very reliant on trade with Europe, it is not diminishing but continuing to grow, in or out will not change that.

As for the rest of the world, our status as a potential trading partner is unlikely to be affected by our EU membership.

I have worked closely in specific areas with our European colleagues and the EU Commission and can assure Mr Haskell that every action of the EU is the subject of constant and vigorous overview and financial scrutiny.

That said, I have no illusions that the EU is perfect, there are real challenges to democracy arising from the current structure in relation to the power and influence of the EU Commission.

But, be clear, what is being championed by the unelected Commission ultimately has to pass the Council of Ministers and the EU Parliament, so if you don’t like what has been agreed and put in to law blame our own politicians.

Quite what point Mr Haskell was endeavouring to make about the EU in relation to NATO and an EU “Defence Force” is lost on me but, as he brought it up, it is worth noting that Wellington’s force at Waterloo contained more “EU” soldiers than British and our allies the Prussians under General Blucher had twice as many soldiers on the ground as we did.

A working European Union if ever there was one!

I am currently undecided about which way to vote and although leaning towards voting to stay in, I want to hear the arguments of both options free from spin, political bias and the undemocratic histrionics currently emanating from the British media.

As a final thought, my decision will not be made “foolishly” any more than yours will and I’m not sure if voting with Messrs Blair, Kinnock and Cameron makes any less sense than sharing a position with the likes of Messrs Johnson, Farage and Galloway.

C’mon Mr Haskell, stop buying the Daily Mail and think things through like the intelligent gentleman I’m sure you are.

T G ALLEN

Croesgoch