HAVING heard both sides of the argument from the recent EU referendum debate at Pickering and from other sources, I am left with the impression of a gaping hole in the Brexit campaign’s vision for a future out of the EU.

They are unable or unwilling to say what sort of deal we would have with the EU. Would it be a Canadian deal, a Swiss deal, a Norwegian deal – what?

Such uncertainty would surely be toxic to the UK economy resulting in lower investment and consequent higher unemployment?

The EU, although far from perfect, has helped improve life for many of us through paid holidays, maternity rights, and fair treatment for temps, agency and part-time workers. It promotes equality and diversity in the workplace and beyond.

Fighting climate change needs concerted international efforts. The UK’s membership of the EU is a crucial part of that fight. We have had the EU’s protection to thank, at least in part, for cleaner beaches and cleaner air. Let’s retain a seat at the table to make a better EU.

Josephine Downs, Highfield Terrace, Swinton, Malton

Saddled with debt

HERE’S four valid reasons for leaving the EU: 1 Look at the results, Britain joined the Common Market in January 1973, and here we are 43 years later absolutely head over heels in debt. We are in debt to the tune of 1.7 trillion and are not the only EU country by any means, but that doesn’t make it any more acceptable. To visualise the amount of money we owe, it is like £50 pound notes stacked three foot high covering half the size of a football pitch.

2 The most despicable thing about this debt is who is going to pay for it, the unborn child that’s who, and so the younger people of this country should think long and hard because it is going to be their children paying in about 40 years’ time.

3 How anybody can be happy about a handful of bureaucrats in Brussels telling us how to run our country is beyond me.

4 If we vote to remain in the EU who’s to say how much they will put up the subscription, they may even double it. I think it’s a big price to pay just to trade with them because they will trade with us anyway.

D Edwards, Norton

End the bickering

I THINK people are sick and tired of the political bickering from both sides of the argument and really want to see a major shift in UK politics.

I would love to see a post-EU referendum politics which puts education, health, housing, integrated transport and a supported manufacturing base at itsthe heart of policy.

If we need taxes to rise, so be it. Let’s pay the true worth of goods and support an economy which looks after our industrial capacity and pays farmers a fair price for our food and milk.

I can’t see anyone in the current political hierarchy with the capacity to stand up and speak common sense with the appeal to us lesser mortals. Anyone up for the challenge?

Ric Blenkharn, Malton

Grateful thanks

MEMBERS of Trinity Methodist Church, Norton, wish to extend a big thank you to all those people who attended our Summer Fayre on Saturday, June 11, and were so generous with their giving.

More than A total of over £1,200 was raised on behalf of church funds and for the St Catherine’s Hospice Charity.

Ena Hoyle, Summer Fayre organiser, Norton Trinity Methodist Church

No time for apathy

THE vote on June 23 is a once in a lifetime vote for most of us.

It is one of, if not the most important national decision we will ever have to make. The consequences will be felt not just for a few weeks or even years but for generations to come.

Each and every one of us must exercise the democratic right that previous generations fought so hard to protect. This country cannot afford to be apathetic. We must all vote, young and old, so that the decision is one that we have all made wherever you live, whatever you do and whatever your background.

I am appealing to young people in my constituency of Thirsk and Malton to remember that this is their future and to remind them not to leave the decision to their parents and grandparents.

For my part I will be voting to remain because I believe that Britain’s exit could destabilise the EU to the point of collapse and the economic and political consequences could be disastrous for us all.

I hope that young people, who may not fully appreciate the benefits of the EU, will realise this before it is too late.

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Member of Parliament, Thirsk & Malton constituency