There's plenty to lose as well as gain from leaving the EU

It is consistent and repeats long-established and powerful arguments against the EU which many on the left will understand, as compared to the smoke and mirrors of David Cameron and the head-in-the-sand approach of Labour.

But I for one need a great deal more convincing before joining the hustings with what the New Statesman refers to as "a hysterically anti-EU opposition Tory Party" plus a motley following of English nationalists and what the Star correctly calls "Little England" fantasists.

We all know and may agree with the familar arguments about the EU being an anti-worker, capitalist club. How can it not be?

But since most agree with the weaknesses of the British economy, how is this to be strengthened when 40 per cent of our export market is lost to British workers?

How does it strengthen international ties to weaken our EU links with socialists, greens and other progressive representatives who make up almost half the European Parliament?

How does it increase the chances of peace and solidarity to withdraw from the largest-ever meeting place, of 27 countries with their 500 million citizens, whose campaigns have brought progress on issues from human rights to the environment?

We know this progress is being undermined but does the Star seriously believe that by withdrawing from the EU the reactionaries who campaigned for withdrawal with our support will restore welfare and workers rights?

I doubt that a referendum will ever occur as both frontbenches are desperately frightened of the alternatives, while the ultra-right would relish it.

The Star and the British Road to Socialism briefly mention what is to be gained from leaving the EU. Perhaps, but there is a serious left debate to be had about what is to be lost.

Tony Simpson

Honiton