THIS is a first for me, writing to a paper letters page, but the letter published in your April 27 edition from Serena Lonton really needs to be challenged.

May I review each point made.

The living wage was brought in by the Conservatives in 2016 following on from the National Minimum Wage Act of 1998, which itself has a history stretching back to the Trade Boards Act of 1909.

It is nothing to do with the EU, in fact of the 28 countries in the EU only 22 have minimum wage legislation. As for uncertainty about a possible UK exit from the EU, it seems logical to speculate that it will affect investment planning. Does anyone seriously think that delays around French investment at Hinckley Point are not at least in part due to this?

Now to the NHS. Which seems more likely – extra demands on GP services are due to an ageing population or because there has been an increase in working age people in the community?

Which group are more likely to be putting demands on the medical system? Speaking as someone recently retired I know which period of my life has seen more visits to the surgery and hospital.

I would also admit that my time of paying in is over, I only draw money out now, as opposed to the 20 and 30-somethings coming to our shores to work, who are paying in to the tax system.

Next, Barack Obama.

Here is a man with little to gain or lose whatever happens to our status in Europe, but someone who has sat at the top table in international affairs.

Do I credit his opinion or those of either side of the argument in British politics, all of whom have vested interests?

I have given up listening to the UK In and Out campaigners who seem only to argue with each other, offering virtually no hard indisputable facts. I am increasingly turning to those outside the UK for my information.

There is so much more to discuss, the prospect of a break-up of the UK if Scotland refuses to accept Brexit, and England’s position in the world then, the status of all the UK citizens settled and happily working and studying in the EU, our country’s influence globally in the climate debate.

I fear for my children and their future if we cut ourselves adrift from the EU.

Please do vote on 23rd June. Hopefully you will opt for a secure and prosperous future, by voting to remain.

Chris Smith, Chard

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