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Be honest about EU

I ENJOYED reading Martin Costello’s letter of Dec 18. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the “glorious opportunity” of leaving the EU.

From March 30, 2019 all those problems that Martin attributes to the EU can finally be solved. More employment for young people. House prices will once again be affordable to first time buyers. The strain on the NHS will be ended. The cuts to police numbers will be reversed. Even our closed libraries will re-open.

Ah, but hang on, that pesky ‘reality’ might just be a problem. You know, the reality that the majority of immigration actually comes from outside the EU. The reality that forecasts job losses due to Brexit.

The reality that rocketing house prices are the responsibility of UK governments, and have absolutely nothing to do with the EU.

The reality that if all EU nurses, doctors, consultants and cleaners in the NHS leave the system will probably collapse.

The reality that cuts to police numbers, libraries and the NHS are entirely due to the Tory government’s policy of austerity and again absolutely nothing to do with the EU.

Brexit was sold to the British public on lies, and letters like Martin’s continue to peddle fantasies about what Brexit will achieve.

The least leave campaigners could do is to deal with the process realistically so we have a chance to leave without too much damage.

It will be interesting to see who they blame once the inevitable post-Brexit disappointment is apparent.

NEIL MERCER, Maidstone Road, Swindon

Cost of living soaring

NEIL Mercer’s letter of December 19 fails to take into account how membership of the EU has pushed up the cost of living to the detriment of the working class.

Men were better off on low wages during the Great Depression of the 1930s than families today where the husband and wife are both earning very good wages.

During the 1930s it was common place for families to have ten children. In 2017 many families find they cannot afford to have children because they need the two incomes to keep up with their enormous mortgage repayments.

EU membership is pushing up the cost of living and this is wiping out the British working class.

TERRY HAYWARD, Burnham Road, Swindon

Help sick children

AS A new dad, I’m thankful that my daughter is healthy and happy. It makes me appreciate just how unbearable it must be to see your child become seriously ill – particularly at Christmas.

I support the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity which provides support to families with an ill child.

If you have a moment, please visit rainbowtrust.org.uk/the-greatest-gift to find out how it will be supporting 2,000 families this Christmas. There is also a Christmas animation to enjoy and an opportunity to donate.

RUPERT YOUNG, Actor