Madam,

It is difficult to understand the logic and sense of those who wish to stay in the European Union (not to be confused with a Common Market), especially when France is in flames, Italy with its rising debt of over 130 per cent of GDP, not to mention long-suffering Greece and Spain where the unemployment is at a scandalous level. Then of course there is ‘borderless’ Germany – where next will the riots be with cars burning on the streets and tanks entering cities to ensure the wishes of the ruling elite?

I am reminded of the inscription on the tomb of Sir Christopher Wren in St Paul’s Cathedral which states: “Reader, if you seek his monument look around you.” Indeed, how apt for the UK in the 21st century, for after 40 years and counting would you honestly describe our country as a land of milk and honey?

Methinks not, as UK infrastructure is a disgrace and I am thankful that I do not have to rely on the railways, although I am becoming quite good at dodging pot holes in our badly maintained roads. The NHS is collapsing with doctors’ surgeries and hospitals closing, coupled with the shameful treatment of the elderly and the closure of many nursing homes. Drug and knife crime are on the increase with hardly a ‘bobby’ to be seen on our streets any more – how far do you have to go to find your nearest police station?

The UK energy strategy is absolute rubbish with ‘generation restricted’ wind farms and solar parks popping up everywhere – but never mind as Government is forcing a Smart Meter on customers to ensure that some of the lights can be kept on when power generation is low, by remotely disconnecting thousands of consumers at a press of a button. Of course, the cost of the Smart Meter will go on a customer’s bill and the meter will lend itself to some very imaginative billing – all very good for the (foreign-owned) power companies - bless the EU!

One would think the world is a much safer place with our much-reduced and under-funded armed forces – hopefully the reduction is not because a European Army is on the books, with the potential of, say, British and German troops, helping the French quell any future riots on the streets of Paris . Perish the thought of German or French troops doing likewise in the UK!

But I guess we can still rely on communication as long as we keep O2 out of the equation. Then there is our questionable educational system and dumb-down universities with their vacuous degrees. It is unbelievable the number of bank closures in small towns across the UK and the run-down of what used to be the best postal system in the world – where once you could reliably send a letter from John O’Groats to Lands End for the price of a reasonable stamp. How much will your Christmas card postage cost you this year?

Yep! Welcome to the 21st century EU-Topia Club where everyone’s a winner – and as The Eagles sang, “You can check out any time you like, But you can never leave!”

Yours etc,

Dave Haskell, Brithdir, Cardigan.

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