SIR – David Barlow asks that we who are against the EU need to explain why the three main party hierarchies are broadly in favour of the EU and why we should not accept that they know better than us.

Can I just add to the many previous answers, that because the leaders of political parties support a policy doesn’t mean they or the policy are right. Sadly, quite often they get it wrong.

No, I do not expect referenda on the everyday running of the country but I do expect referenda on major issues, particularly when promised one. We are allowed to vote for the UK Government at least every five years yet we are not allowed to have a vote on the existence and power of the EU which more and more makes the decisions. Once every four years we hold EU elections but we vote for a party list not individuals, which ensures that anyone who disagrees with the leader will not be on the list.

Today political parties consist of careerists (being an MP/MEP pays well, has excellent pensions and other fringe benefits) and inexperienced individuals. Do you really believe they know any better than we do?

The reason politicians accept membership of the EU is ignorance, greed (the EU is a gravy train for all politicians) and corruption, not necessarily of the pocket but of the soul.

MARK STARR, Leigh Sinton.