[hibeejim21]

Yeah,the EU has done nothing for us...nothing at all. Or has it?

Until 1998 when the EU Working Time Directive was introduced, 2 million British employees did not receive any paid holiday at all. And when they put a cap on the working week at 48hrs Westminster took them to court.

£730m of EU money is spent on research in the UK, much of which is channelled through universities,through which many students benefit via the ERASMUS scheme.

Rules on climate change and the environment improving our air quality and beaches – no small matter, given that it is one of the biggest causes of early death in our cities.

Our food and drinking water is also safer and cleaner thanks to EU labelling. The EU has also stopped tobacco companies chasing the business of youngsters keen to try out the habit, by regulating the way cigarettes are promoted. Again Westminster wasn't too keen.

Cheaper and easier travel to and in Europe. Free movement of people means there’s no hassle or extra cost involved in organising a visa before you travel. You can drive across the continent with a UK licence.

The EU broke the monopolies held by public telecoms operators and made calls cheaper. (80% since the mid 80s)

And that's just before I get to the commercial benefits. One final thing - Britain hasn't been able to change the EU from within because its stance has been so often to opt out and try and undermine the EU. The EU have indulged the UK at every turn to try and keep it in the union.

And that's before I get to the commercial benefits and the huge money they have invested in some of our poorest areas.