RITA CROMBLEHOLME (Letters, January 25) is right that we are being deceived, but not in the way she thinks.

There is no Brussels and us. Brussels is us. Most decisions have to be approved by all 28 states unanimously.

Any rules and regulations you may dislike have been approved by our ministers.

Our governments (of whatever colour) do not care to shout about this because they want someone else to be blamed for their decisions.

Personally, I am glad our beaches are cleaner and our children’s toys safer as a result of problems thrashed out jointly by the countries of Europe.

All 28 states have equal status; there is no question of Germany and France telling us what to do.

If we leave the EU we will still be subject to most of the rules but we will have no say and the 27 other states may well be dictating to us.

Is this what you want?

Vivien Flynn, New Earswick, York