[anexprogrammer]

As someone who spent 20 or more years believing Britain should leave the EEC/EU for the last decade or so I've been an increasingly enthusiastic European. Not because I believe in the institution as such, but because it has become the only real check on our ever more broken democracy.

Dear letter writer, the view from London counts for nothing, you should try a view from the minor colonies (UK outside London and the home counties).

[adiabatty]

I'm on the other side of the pond, but: If London mostly ignores things outside of London, what makes you think Brussels will be more attentive?

[anexprogrammer]

I don't think they are more attentive, but the framework currently curbs the more extreme tendencies of our government(s). Most obvious example is the human rights act (ironically the ECHR is not a body of the EU, despite most media and political spin here implying it is), but also includes the restrictions on GM, safety, and generally in the area of social, labour and market regulation.

Yes, the UK has opted out of several parts, but it can't (yet) opt out of everything. There's precious little accountability within the EU, but it does, at least for now, hold a more centerist position.

Also the EU regional development funds have done more for the UK regions than Westminster ever has.