Asking economists about staying in the EU is a dismally bad idea

Leaving or remaining in the union is about politics, history and much more. Yet we keep on consulting economists

Households in England can look forward to a 14-page booklet landing on their doormat this week, making the case for Britain's remaining in the EU. Responding to criticism of the 9m publicity drive, which will eventually reach the whole of the UK, the government said a survey had shown that 85% of people wanted more facts about the referendum.

If it is facts we get, fair enough. Voters are being asked to decide on something that until recently they knew little about, and probably cared even less. Now, with less than three months to go to the poll, it's little surprise people want a crash course in the pros and cons of EU membership. Understandably, many simply want to know whether they will be better or worse off if we leave.

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