Britain’s place in Europe and the question of identity | Letters

We are about to make a definitive and generational decision on our continuing membership of Europe (Four EU states shun Cameron benefits plan, 17 February). If there were to be two referendums, the first on the principle of remaining in the EU, and the second on the basis of the extent to which "agreements" have been honoured, and promises made reality, then David Cameron's negotiations make sense. As it is, to hold a referendum on the basis of his negotiations is to offer a pig in a poke. Much more honest to base the referendum on Europe as it is now.

If this means that we start recognising the massive advantages of embracing Europe wholeheartedly, so much the better. The Europeans often seem far more in line with British values than our own government does, for example on human rights. The electorate needs promises and commitments, but not those gained by Cameron, which only confuse the issue. We need to know that a vote to remain will galvanise our own government to take a full and less querulous part in Europe. Sadly, David Cameron cannot promise even that much.
Dave Hepworth
Bakewell, Derbyshire