I have read many arguments the Brexiteeers would use to bolster their case.

Kent Brooks (Letters, May 19 - 'Brexit will not cause collapse') is oblivious to the fact the UK environment has actually benefited from EU membership.

At one time, due to our chronic pollution levels poorly regulated, we were known as the 'dirty old man of Europe' by our neighbours. Now, thanks to tough EU directives, we can claim, for example some of the cleanest beaches and waterways anywhere!

Mr Brooks describes as 'ill-advised' Germany's decision to shut down its nuclear industry. Has he forgotten the reason for this? Japan's legacy of Fukishima is still causing major headaches and a good deal of their eastern seaboard remains seriously contaminated.

Although this problem is persistent and overwhelming, it is hardly mentioned in the media. Far from 'ill-advised', Germany has chosen wisely to invest massively in renewables and any supplementary burning of brown coal is intended to be phased down as more clean sources become viable.

Shame on our leaders here for committing us to fracking and resurrecting moribund nuclear, which is set to cost us very heavily indeed for decades to come and oblige us also to keep the Chinese backers sweet - this is what I would call 'ill-advised'!

All of this, incidentally, has been decided for us irrespective of Europe.

Another recent contributor, Trevor Farrer, points out how our systems of governance are superior to EU (Letters, May 26, 'An erosion of UK democracy').

This 'democracy' word can be very loaded and is always relative. Thanks to 'first past the post' we, the people of Britain must endure a government for the foreseeable future voted in by about only 35 per cent of those registered to vote - fair?

Consider also how the people of Tyedale in Yorkshire must feel about local 'democracy' when, despite submitting well over 4,000 objections to only 36 in favour, their county council gave the go-ahead to allow gas fracking.

Perhaps Mr Farrer could elucidate as to how this result democratically reflects the will of these people.

Is the EU perfect? Of course not. There are many weaknesses and much necessary to improve, but I would contest for our continued membership to help effect this change from within, not throwing in the towel and turning our backs on our friends and neighbours.

Trevor Pollard

Newby Bridge