I BELONG to Bath Constituency Labour Party, and I’m appalled at the absence of curiosity among members about the lack of effective democracy in the European Union.

There is a view that a trade-off is OK. An unaccountable elite rule us from Brussels because they are cleverer and more civilised than us and can be trusted to know what’s best for us. This infantilises us. It is extraordinary that we would choose to see ourselves as children.

We are expected to believe that every good thing, peace and prosperity comes from the EU. How on earth did we manage before when, as adults, we worked steadily generation after generation to take control of our own lives into our own hands, as our democracy matured?

Democracy is not the default ‘factory setting’ of complex modern societies. Look around the world. What we mean by ‘democracy’ has been enabled by a particular combination of geographical and historical circumstances.

I’m alarmed that this political and social treasure will be lost to our children and their children. So I’ve organised a public meeting with free admission to all. Everyone is welcome whatever their views. I will give mine and everyone can have their say and ask questions.

The meeting is on Saturday afternoon, May 7, 2pm for a 2.30pm start, at Bath Royal Scientific and Literary Institute, Queen Square, Bath. The contact for enquiries and offers of help is 01225 424 557 or elgin villa@hotmail.co.uk.

Peter Marsh, Marlborough Lane, Bath