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We have an important referendum coming up next week. I have some serious concerns about it.

1) We joined the then Common Market as the result of democracy (well, as near to democratic as this country gets). The government was elected on the ticket of taking us into Europe. This referendum is therefore un-necessary and divisive. It is a terrible waste of money in these times of austerity. All it does is to draw attention away from this government's appalling policies.

2) People who have absolutely no understanding of the implications of 'staying' or 'leaving' will be allowed to vote. I think it highly dangerous that many people are going to vote, based on nothing more than the hysterical rubbish that they have read in the tabloids.

3) Europe has been a power for good in this country. Without Europe I believe we would not have the equality laws that we now have. Europe has also been an effective check on governments that repress their own people. Leaving Europe would leave people vulnerable to a government that could wield uncontrolled authority.

All this has led me to question my own belief in the right of free speech, and in the right to vote. It might make more sense if everybody were made to demonstrate their understanding of what they are voting for, before they are allowed to vote. The implications are all very frightening.