IT made a change to read Mike Holt's calm and reasoned description of why he wants to leave the EU, as opposed to the wild distortions and 'pie in the sky' claims of top Brexiteers.

It is undeniable that the EU has many serious problems, but surely it is better to stay and help to solve them.

The benefits of being a member are numerous; from the rejuvenation of our industries through development aid to our poorest areas to educational and job opportunities for our young people, to mention just a few.

But, for me, the main issue is our place in the world.

We are a small country, but as a previously respected and leading member of the most important trading area we had influence beyond our size.

At a time when extremism and authoritarianism are growing everywhere, we are part of the shrinking area, where democracy and civilised values still obtain.

It is well-known that all the main proponents of Brexit are multi-millionaires, who have little to lose if economic chaos results.

My fear, however, is that their aim is to hand this country over lock, stock and barrel to the USA.

There would be little alternative, as the trade deals which we would strike with the rest of the world would take years to agree, and would be on poorer terms than the one with Japan, for example, which we belong to at the moment as part of the EU.

Because of the USA's immense power, they would impose on us an unequal deal which would inevitably lead to worse terms of trade and a lowering of our environmental and social standards and to the full privatisation of the NHS and probably education too.

Desmond Hodgins, Greasby