THE letter by the European movement (Saturday 18th) contains the usual half truths and misinformation that has put a lot of people off the EU.

Starting with the issue of sovereignty, one of the aims of the Treaty of Rome was ever closer political union in order to create an EU superstate and yes, that would affect the UK’s sovereignty.

As for having to still comply with EU regulations - so what? We also have to comply with regulations for every other country in the world if we want to export to them.

If that’s a silly situation, perhaps we should consider political union with every other country we export to as well?

The public deserve a vote on an issue as big as this as. After all, politicians are only short-term custodians and administrators of this country – they are not its owners and as such have the moral duty to put it to the people to decide.

The questions I would like to ask the European movement are, firstly, why are large manufacturers leaving the EU and setting up in non EU countries?

And also, why do you have such a problem with democracy?

Colin Hems, Sholing, Southampton