M John Spears, of Buckland tout-Saints, Kingsbridge, writes:

I think the UK will not be as well off financially if we leave. Money men are fickle and will go where they think the pickings are best, which is most likely to be Europe, bearing in mind market size etc. I think a lot of them are biding their time so as not to create a backlash.

Also, there is the very real likelihood of the breakup of the UK, with Scotland almost ­certain to leave and join Europe as a small country, where it is bound to get special treatment. I certainly do not think that is in any of our best interests.

As for a federal Europe, I will believe it when I see it, which is most unlikely during my life.

Many of the big players such as France and Italy are much too nationalistic to give up any of their identities.

Then, of course, there is always the peace point, which is why the European Economic Community was formed. I am sure that is one of the reasons why Germany is so pro-Europe and why we should be as well.

Certainly the future of Europe needs to be planned carefully, but I believe we will only be able to influence that by arguing from within rather than trying to shout from the sidelines, where our voice will count for even less and we will have no economic clout.