This week another significant local employer called on Britain to remain in the European Union.

The industrial giant General Electric, which employs over 18,000 people in the UK, said that leaving the EU would be bad for Britain and bad for Europe.

Meanwhile, the CEO of Thomas Cook has emphasised that being part of the EU has made travelling around Europe both cheaper and easier.

Leaving would lead to more hassle and could see the cost of holidays soar for British consumers.

This is yet another reminder of the extent to which our prosperity and jobs are linked to Britain’s membership of the EU.

But sadly, it seems UKIP and Eurosceptic Tories will continue to put their ideological hatred of the European Union ahead of Britain’s interests.

There is nothing patriotic about undermining Britain’s influence, putting local jobs at risk and wrecking the economic recovery.

These are issues that should be on all of our minds as we cast our vote in May’s European elections.

Richard Grant, Bisterne Close, Burley