AT last the starting gun has been fired by Nigel Farage and Ukip in the EU referendum - and about time too.

The phoney war continues with David Cameron retreating in his attempt to fix the vote and to use tax payer’s money to bankroll the staying in campaign. The question has been altered and we look forward to the issue of Purdah being resolved keeping it in line with previous referendums. Now we have a much more level playing field the combatants are starting to enter with Ukip leading.

This is not a party election but an opportunity for all those who are dissatisfied and discontented with the EU to vote to exit this un-elected, dictatorial and out-dated organisation - an organisation that is working against the needs and desires of a free and democratic society.

It is creating frictions and tensions within all member countries with its inability to maintain a credible policy on finance, migration and growth, due in large part to the pandering to big business and pressure groups coupled with widespread corruption and graft.

We need to believe in Britain and seize the opportunities of trading freely with the rest of the world, including the EU bloc, and improve the prospects for the people of this great country and raise our living standards.

Why would you not want a better standard of living for you and your children?

So get out and get behind the vision of a better Britain out of the EU.

Chris Gallacher, Redcar.