Despite an increasing volume of letters on the EU referendum, several important issues haven’t yet had an airing. Let me mention just two.

Firstly, science. British science and technology have been the main drivers of progress in this country for more than 200 years. But research is increasingly becoming international. Our scientists need to share ideas with other researchers around the world.

Membership of the EU is an essential part of this. Between 2007 and 2013 the EU contributed almost £7 billion to collaborative research projects led from the UK. More importantly, it provided the opportunity for researchers at all levels to work with their counterparts across Europe, exchanging new ideas and learning new techniques. All this would be at risk if we quit Europe.

Secondly, the environment. Pollution doesn't neatly stop at national boundaries, so some form of international cooperation is essential. Over the years, the EU has introduced a whole raft of standards for air and water quality and waste disposal. Not a very glamorous area, but one that is important for our health and well-being. Could this be at risk as well if we quit the EU?

Let's look at one example. Neonicotinoid pesticides have been used widely to improve yields on crops such as oilseed rape. However, there is now increasing scientific evidence that these pesticides are harmful to bees and butterflies - insects that are vital for pollinating our fruit and vegetable crops.

In the face of this evidence, the EU has introduced a temporary ban on the use of these pesticides. The British government, keen to further the sectional interests of agribusiness, voted against the ban. It’s a safe bet that our bees and butterflies would lose this protection if we left the EU.

Yes, there is much to criticise about the EU. Its decision-making is cumbersome, bureaucratic, and not as democratic as it should be (though a lot more democratic than its detractors would have you believe - the European Parliament now has real power).

But is frustration with the EU enough of a reason to leave? If we do, perhaps we'll wake up one day and find out just how much we've lost.

John Eakins

Flookburgh