MANY people who want Hampshire to remain part of the EU are pointing out the dangers if Britain were to vote to leave.

There are risks for jobs and wages, higher prices, a risk of weaker environmental protection and a risk for security against crime and international conflict. If we leave we will still be hugely affected by decisions in the EU but would have shut ourselves out of a role in those decisions.

But we also need to have vision for what we can achieve in the years and decades ahead if we stay together. Medical research is now co-ordinated in Europe and this has produced big steps in conquering cancer. As the biggest economy in the world, the EU can use its influence to prevent more wars and promote human rights for those suffering oppression. By working together in Europe we can ensure that the exploration of space, leading to new technology of real benefit on Earth, is not left only to America, Russia and China.

I shall vote for Britain to stay in, not only to protect against dangers but also to step most confidently towards the future.

ANTONY HOOK Southampton