The UK joined the EU in 1973 - over half a lifetime ago.

In the 1970s the UK was rapidly becoming an economic disaster area - poor productivity, miners strikes, garbage in the streets, three day weeks, inefficient etc etc. We pleaded and joined the EU.

It is wholly a speculation whether the improvements in our lot since then wold have happened anyway, or whether EU membership was the stimulus needed.

But the UK and the world that existed 40-50 years ago is almost completely gone. Back then the internet didn't exist, China was third world, BBC and ITV were the only TV, oil crisis, etc.

We can't go back 40 years in time any more than a 70 year old can once again be 30. It's just rose tinted spectacles.

<< Remind us all please that the UK existed quite well before getting involved with what was then a trading "club" >>

Existed, yes, but 40 years ago the signs were that our existence needed some help. Global circumstances have changed a lot since then, and I believe that on balance EU membership has made life better than it might have been.

So do I. Back in the 1970s the disUK was a basket case. The first thing I did on qualifying was to take an exam enabling me to work in the USA. I even went to the South African embassy re possible immigration. I fear we will regress to those circumstances. Life is already more of a struggle than usual for the underqualified masses - not good for future civil obedience.