We have a date for the referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU, and with it the people of Medway finally have an opportunity to have their say. This decision will not be made by the 650 elected MPs, but by a majority of the British people. It is one of the biggest decisions that every one of us will have to make over the next few months, what we truly believe is best for the future of our country and the people in it.
In my opinion there are strong arguments on both sides, but a shot in the dark either way. There are real risks for our country what ever the outcome. If we vote to stay in we may have an improved position within the EU now, but our long term future will remain uncertain, and if we vote to leave there is no doubt there will be uncertainty as to what Britain’s future will look like. This is because neither side of the argument have categorical answers to many of our questions. Our decisions will ultimately be based on our personal experiences which have shaped our views, around the different issues that are important to us, immigration, trade, national security, fairness, economy and jobs.
The referendum is allowing us to have a real debate, an opportunity to drill down in to how exactly the EU affects our lives. I don’t believe that it’s an easy decision to make, and I have not rushed to make it. I am genuinely conflicted, as I know many people are, I am trying to resolve this by listening to opinions, searching out the facts and thinking objectively, cutting through all the emotion. However, one thing is certain we must all live with the consequences of the outcome, and there will be consequences either way.