The EU has taken on the powers of a state; it even has its own flag featuring 12 stars – so here are a dozen reasons why I believe that we should vote to Leave.
The UK contributes almost one fifth of the entire EU budget – £367 million per week – we could better use this money to spend on our public services and cutting tax.
Outside the EU we could have a fairer immigration policy with an Australian style points system to attract the best and brightest, without discriminating against Commonwealth countries, as now.
Unrestricted EU citizens entering the UK has depressed wages by 10 per cent and puts pressure on school places, housing and the NHS.
The EU wants to create its own army. British forces and security services should not be subject to foreign control. We would be safer outside the EU.
Most EU decisions that affect all our lives are made by remote unaccountable commissioners. As a country of long, democratic traditions only those elected by the people should govern.
We should not lock ourselves in to a narrow, failing bloc, but broaden our horizons globally using our unique links with the world as one of its largest economies and one of only five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The UK should be able to negotiate its own trade deals. Incredibly, the EU has failed to reach agreement with the top ten largest economies in the world.
European regulations cost British businesses about £600 million a week. Only six per cent of firms export to the EU but all are caught by its red tape.
Other EU states sell more to the UK than we do to them. It would be in the EU’s own self-interest to continue free trade after Brexit, as they do now with other non-member countries like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
If we remain, it is estimated by 2030 the UK population will swell by a further six million – especially as the EU absorbs new countries – that’s more than the number of people in Scotland.
We could reduce VAT on whatever products or service we liked – right now we are subject to EU rates, even on essentials like household utility bills.
The EU also means the free movement of animal cruelty – live exports and puppy farm imports.
There are no two people I love more than my daughter and son, that's why for their future and the British nation I'm voting to leave the EU. From euro crisis to refugee chaos, the EU has been on the wrong side of history time and again. Safer to take control.