I AM fed up of hearing how bad it will be if we vote to stay in the EU.

Let’s get real, stop all this frenzied nationalism and face the real facts about what will happen if we leave.

All parties agree that the economy will face a downturn if we leave the EU.

Remember we will be voting for the re-introduction of border controls between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State, together with the possible break up of the union if Scotland votes to stay in the EU, with even more border controls. Is this what we want?

The immigration from counties outside the EU will not change. However the immigration from within the EU has a net benefit to the economy, with them contributing £3 billion but only taking £500 million out.

These immigrants are essential to this county by keeping the National Health Service staffed, working on farms and bringing in the crops – jobs which could not be done without them.

They also help pay for our future pensions, which is essential as we have an ageing population.

To trade with the EU we will have to accept free movement of labour from EU counties, despite what Nigel Farage says. Otherwise we will have to pay at least a 10 per cent tariff on our goods entering the EU, stopping them from being competitive.

Multi-national companies will no longer wish to base their operations in the UK as we have been seen as a gateway to the EU.

Already Nissan has deciding to expand its production in Europe and not in the UK due to the uncertain future. Others will follow if we vote to leave.

EU nationals come here to work, not as portrayed by the out campaign as scroungers. They have to put into the system before being entitled to get anything out.

They have to have a job within six months or they must leave, and must contribute to the system for four years before they can claim any benefits.

UK nationals really benefit from our membership of the EU. We can retire to any EU country we like, work where we like, young people can travel and gain life experience all over Europe and we all have the benefit of being members of the European Health Insurance scheme when we are a resident or on holiday in the EU.

Brexit campaigners claim all sorts of inaccurate figures, which they know to be wrong but keep repeating them to whip up support.

Do not be fooled. Vote for all our futures, which will be far safer and better off in the EU than out of it.

Do not throw out the baby with the bath water.

Norman Bradbury

Hillside Avenue

Atherton