YP Letters: EU vote risk to Northern Powerhouse

THE economy is one of a number of issues people will consider when voting in the EU referendum.

Business creates jobs and economic growth. That is as true in the North as it is anywhere else. Most business group polls conclude that a majority of small, medium and large companies want to remain in the EU.

The economic consensus is clear too – we should expect a Brexit to induce a sharp shock that could leave the UK economy smaller in future.

The CBI supports the Government’s efforts to secure economic growth outside of London. We think the aims of the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ are right – better transport and education will create greater opportunities for companies based here and more jobs.

Investment from abroad is critical to this. Recent analysis shows northern-based foreign direct investment projects experienced 127 per cent growth over the last two years.

Many foreign investors cite access to EU markets as a critical factor in their UK investment decisions. So, we must recognise that reduced market access could slow regional investment.

There are clear signs that the North has been making progress in recent years. Putting that trend of rising investment at risk would put growth and jobs in our region in jeopardy, undermining the North’s potential to become a true powerhouse.

From: James Bovington, Church Grove, Horsforth.

WE must avoid a situation in which the good ship Britannia floats round the world in search of a friendly port. Outside the EU we would be much more at the mercy of events. The EU really is the only game in town.

Those contemplating destroying this should also reflect on the fact that on the beautiful but fateful morning of July 1, 1916, when the British Army suffered over 57,000 casualties in what was its worst ever day for losses as the Battle of the Somme broke out.

While a repeat of such an event is, fortunately, unlikely in the extreme, let’s remember that peace is best assured through co-operation and sharing of sovereignty, the whole point of the EU and best achieved by a strong vote to Remain.

From: Nigel Boddy, Fife Road, Darlington.

IN view of the seriousness of what is about to happen in the referendum, has the time come for David Cameron to announce there will be extra bank holidays on June 24 and 27 right across the UK to allow calm after the vote in the financial markets?

I believe President Franklin Roosevelt did something similar to calm markets when he was introducing the New Deal.

From: Jarvis Browning, Main Street, Fadmoor.

I THINK it is very sad that the religious leaders have to voice their opinion (John Sentamu, The Yorkshire Post, June 14). Politics should not enter their domain. Religious centres should be for peace and prayers, not to tell us how we should vote over the EU.

From: MP Laycock, Harrogate.

JO Cox MP (The Yorkshire Post, June 10) tells us that “Brexit is no real answer to real concerns on immigration”. Nobody believes that it is the whole answer, but it definitely a major part of such an answer. Certainly Britain cannot control immigration while remaining an EU member.

She tells us that “free movement of EU citizens to Britain would not automatically stop if we left”. However, if we leave, it will be for Britain to decide who may come in. This could be by a points-based system, such as that used in Australia.

From: Mary Jackson, West Ella Way, Kirk Ella.

COME on, patriotic women of Britain, time to vote ‘remain’ for the future of your children and grandchildren. The EU has done so much for women. For example, enshrining in law equal pay for equal work, maternity and paternity leave. Setting up cross-border networks to tackle human trafficking and domestic abuse. If we leave the EU, the rights British women depend on will be thrown up into the air.

From: James Gollins, Underdale Road, Shrewsbury.

IS a price of £3,000 per household worth paying to keep our independence? Our trade has fallen with the EU from 55 to 45 per cent and shrinking. Yes, Brexit will shake up this bureaucratic machine, not before its time, something which is needed if the euro is going to compete with the Chinese Yen. Let’s flourish in this challenging global world with Brexit.

From: David S Harrison, Laycock.

RECENTLY we have witnessed a great deal of discussion and argument on the upcoming EU referendum. It may be difficult for them to acknowledge, but this referendum is not about Cameron, Farage, Boris and co and whether we like them or not as individuals, or indeed whether we believe their promises and threats. What it is about is determining how our country is to be governed by future generations in the years ahead.

Shall we vote to be governed by a group of mainly foreigners in Brussels or by our own MPs who we are able to elect or reject by our democratic process? I anticipate Yorkshire common sense will prevail.

From: David Pickering, , Chesterfield.

LEAVING the EU could be the icing on the cake for the Queen on her 90th birthday celebrations, regaining the independence and sovereignty of her country. I also wonder, if Britain chooses to Brexit, should David Cameron and George Osborne be placed in the Tower, charged with crimes against the State?