THE EU is the world's largest trading block and by a huge margin it will remain our largest trading partner whatever the referendum result.

To vote to leave would be like shooting ourselves in the foot. It will leave Britain weaker not stronger, isolated not independent.

It was British representatives who took the lead in creating the EU single market.

It boosts trade by setting common rules and common standards for almost everything we buy and sell.

European standards often become adopted as world standards.

Our people are involved in shaping these rules on a daily basis.

By and large we put forward good ideas that win support.

Mostly we get our way.

It's a simple truth that you don't get more say over the policies that will affect you if you are not in the room where the decisions are made.

If we leave the EU we shall have to follow the rules set by others.

That will not increase our sovereignty, it will just leave us with a bleeding foot, looking stupid.

Chris Davies, North West Liberal Democrats.