REGARDING European Union facts: Mr Robins is correct to point out that Ted Heath negotiated the UK’s entry into the Common Market and that Harold Wilson used a referendum as an election issue in 1974.

However, it is worth remembering that Roy Jenkins, deputy Labour leader, totally supported Ted Heath’s negotiated entry and that the British electorate kept us in the Common Market.

I, like millions of other voters, was persuaded by politicians of all parties that continued membership of a group of countries trading in a negotiated environment, free of restrictions and protectionism, would create future prosperity and benefits for all concerned. Can anyone seriously believe that what we have now is remotely what we voted for by electing Ted Heath, or in the 1975 referendum?

Many in the Labour Party at the time feared for a loss of national sovereignty. How prophetic! Every Government since has entered into and negotiated further integration into the now European Union.

Anonymous judges in Strasbourg ruling on British judicial proceedings, very questionable agricultural and fishery policies and the economic chaos of the political euro project.

Isn’t it about time that a full and open debate is entered into with the pros and cons of staying in as we are, renegotiating our terms of inclusion or withdrawal. As this always crosses party political boundaries (other than the Liberals) the only democratic conclusion would be a suitably worded referendum to allow the British electorate to exercise their democratic rights.

I am now going on holiday for two weeks. Will anything change in the meantime? I doubt it.

IAN CUMMINGS, Gibson Close, Abingdon