I AM writing to counteract the claims made by Tony Molland, in last week’s edition of your paper, April 28, where he states the opinion of one single economist, who believes that in terms of the economy Britain will be better off leaving the EU.

I know he will agree with me that economists often differ in their opinions, since he also reports on the opinion of George Osborne, the Chancellor, who calculates that Britain’s economy will suffer if Britain leaves the EU!

I certainly agree with him that George Osborne has made mistakes in the past, but I find myself in agreement with him on what he predicts will be the economic results of Britain leaving.

However, I differ from Mr Molland, because I base my view, not solely on the opinion of one economist, as he does, but on the reports that have recently been published by many respected organisations, all showing that our economy will suffer if we leave the EU.

The latest of which came from the OECD on April 27: “A decision by Britain to leave the European Union would cause a severe negative shock to the economy and weaken GDP growth for many years, equivalent to a cost per household of GBP 3,200 per year by 2030.”

But, as well as supporting our economy, being in the EU has meant that British workers have benefited from EU laws, ensuring at least four weeks’ paid holiday, extended maternity and paternity leave, and they have been protected by high health and safety standards in the workplace.

Of course a British government could pass its own laws to offer the same rights to workers. But would it? But surely the unions would protect its members, and make sure that these laws were kept? Sadly the present Conservative government is currently trying to pass The Trades Union bill, which seeks to weaken the unions and their ability to protect their members.

Being in the EU is good for all of us. We should stay in!

SUE BUXTON , Secretary , Devizes Constituency Labour Party