Letter: EU's worth staying in

I think we are underestimating the value of the EU and blaming it for problems that we already have the power to address at home. We also tend to exaggerate the disadvantages of membership, and downplay the risks of leaving.

Across Europe there is growing concern about security, migration and the economy. But we are not part of Schengen, the passport-free zone, nor the euro, and almost certainly never will be. We have already protected ourselves against these risks.

Furthermore, our economy is actually stronger than many of our neighbours. I would argue that we need a more ambitious industrial strategy and a fairer distribution of wealth in society, but the EU is not to blame. Those decisions are basically made at Westminster.

The greatest threat to our safety is that we fail to adequately fund police, borders and security. We are spending on the security services, less so on border controls and police. But again, these are largely British, not EU, decisions.

Just as we should not hold the EU responsible for our own shortcomings we should not exaggerate its fault, real as they are. I struggle, for example, to find any instance where Brussels bureaucracy has seriously inconvenienced me personally.

There is terrible waste, but we are tackling it with like-minded countries. We pay heavily into the budget, but gain enormously from membership, for example trade, huge investment, jobs, residence rights, diplomatic and cultural co-operation and influence, and very close friendships, especially with north European countries.

If we leave we would probably have to accept some free movement of labour and contribute to the budget, just to retain crucial access to the single market. More worryingly, we might face another Scottish independence vote and there could be many other self-inflicted uncertainties. The world is big and dangerous and the future lasts a very long time – it is safer to be in a large regional grouping, it is much riskier alone.

Everyone is trying to work out what is best for the country. But surely it is not our destiny to turn inwards and burn bridges, having to negotiate to try to win back the advantages that we already have. Rather it is to be at the centre, exerting influence and defending our interests with confidence.

John Gemmell, Wem