CHRIS Cunliffe's letter to last week's Bury Times contains so much that is incorrect or irrelevant that it is impossible to sustain the view that the crucial matter of the UK's membership of the EU should ever have been put to a simple referendum.

There is not a single argument he/she makes that stands up to even the most superficial scrutiny. The EU does not impose rules about the shape of bananas — it only takes a trip to Bury Market or a couple of supermarkets to demonstrate that.

The UK as an EU member would have had a veto over an EU army, as a non-member it will obviously have no say at all. Butter mountains and milk lakes have not been an issue for decades.

As for costs, if Chris Cunliffe cares to take a look at HMRC's tax statements, it will become clear that the UK contribution to the EU budget accounts for just 0.7% of our public spending. Would a reduction to 0.6% really mean so much?

Winston Churchill said: "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."

Chris Cunliffe's letter rather proves Mr Churchill's point.

James Brooks

Springside Road

Bury