The current national debate on the EU referendum seems to be concentrating on three issues - the economy and financials, democracy and immigration, although it is much more than that.

The net amount we pay to the EU is less than one per cent of the UK's GDP and for that we get free access to a market of more than 500 million people in addition to other benefits. If we deduct both the rebate (£4.9bn), which is never actually paid, and the money that is paid but sent back from the gross £17.8bn annual “membership fee” (£5.8bn), and you arrive at a net figure of £7.1bn.

This equates to £136m a week, less than 40 per cent of the amount splashed on the Vote Leave battle bus.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research suggests UK GDP in 2019 could be between 2.1 per cent and 3.5 per cent lower as a result of a Brexit. This would damage public finances, after taking account of the reduced EU contribution, by between £20 billion and £40 billion in 2019–20. Between three and five times what we would gain from not paying the EU membership fee. It is clear to me that the Leave campaign has already lost the economic argument.

Many of the leave campaigners claim that the EU is undemocratic. However, there is an EU structure that promotes democracy. This includes our own elected Prime Minister; UK elected Members of the European Parliament of which there are 73 UK MEPs voted in through a proportional representation system; a minister for Europe appointed by the UK and a UK appointed European Commissioner.

In truth, we share some of our sovereignty with the EU to make collaborative decisions and gain greater influence in the world.

Recent research from University College of London shows European migrants actually pay £2 billion a year more in taxes than they take out in state benefits. That contribution is helping to fuel Britain’s economic growth.

The Commons Treasury Committee recently stated: "It is disingenuous to claim with any confidence, as some representatives from the Leave campaigns have done, that the UK would be able to leave the EU, drop free movement and continue to have the same rights to trade with EU member states as it does now"

Personally, I want to remain in the EU and be part of a collaborative vision for our place in the world rather than retreat into isolation.

John Wright

Kendal