Michael and Jane Sturdee, of Culver Park Close, Kingsbridge, writes:

We should be extremely wary of politicians who specialise in populist catchphrases. Research shows clearly that ‘emotions constitute powerful and predictable drivers of decision making’. (Harvard University 2014)

The Leave campaign is making considerable and very clever use of language in their efforts to persuade voters. For example when you hear ‘control’ – just ask the following questions: to do what? How? So far, no glimmer of an answer. ‘Rip up’ – so what’s anger got to do with this? ‘Power grab’ – is that really an accurate description?

Beware people who repeat the same things over and over, however inaccurate their statements. This is the tactic of those who believe that by shouting loudly enough something becomes true, even if it is a bare-faced lie.

A case in point is immigration. In fact, studies by the London School of Economics show that in the worst-case scenario there would be about 1.85m arriving over 10 years.

That sounds a lot of people, but in a UK population of 64m, it is only 2.8 per cent, or one in 35, between 2016 and 2026, which almost nobody would notice.

Immigrants do not take a disproportionate share of jobs created by our economy. We are creating jobs. We need immigrants to fill them; and there is no evidence of an overall negative impact of immigration on wages.

The Leave campaign’s propaganda is shameful and cruel in trying to persuade us that immigration is causing pressure on the NHS, housing and schools. These are due to the current Government’s austerity policies and cuts. A case for leaving could be made without resorting to this kind of propaganda. Why stoop to this emotional level? They are stirring up that most unfortunate human tendency – xenophobia.

Two more points: the EU is ripe for reform, most member-states agree with us. For starters, more democracy is needed. We would be pushing at an open door. The best place to effect that push would be within the union, with a positive approach by our Govern­ment. Outside, we would be a minnow: we should remain inside, amongst the leaders for reform within the EU.

Finally, nobody in the Leave camp has presented any detailed plans. They – and we – don’t know what on earth would happen if they won.

The EU is not about who is in control; it is all about sharing, work, peace and building a future together, not division and isolation. A pig in a poke. Don’t buy it – Vote Remain!