I REMAIN unconvinced by the arguments in your editorial regarding the Prime Minister's gamble on an EU referendum ("Cameron right to seek a referendum on Europe", The Herald, May 29).

Given the apparent visceral xenophobia shown by the extent of votes for Ukip, amplified by the orchestrated campaign from the Murdoch press and others, it seems unlikely that any vote will be made on the rational basis that your editorial suggests.

It is also interesting to consider the letter directly opposite your editorial, from my namesake Richard Morris, regarding the drain on the rest of the UK represented by the City's financial machinations. This casts further doubts on your advocacy of reform of the EU "to protect Britain's financial institutions". One suspects that a major factor in opposing EU membership is the desire of financial institutions to avoid stronger, European-instigated, controls on their reckless and antisocial behaviour.

Dr RM Morris,

Veslehaug,Polesburn, Methlick, Ellon.