Next week we all individually have a decision to make on whether the UK should remain as a member of the European Union. It is one which will have a significant impact on the lives of future generations. So it is important and right that people should be passionate in advocating their case - although I much regret the tone of the debate on both sides.
I firmly believe that our country’s future will be stronger, safer and better off in a reformed EU. I believed that when I voted for the first time ever in the referendum in 1975, and believe it now. We have benefitted immensely from the investment that has taken place here from businesses wishing to gain access to a market of 500 million consumers. So a vote to stay is a vote for certainty. We’ll be stronger, safer and better off remaining in Europe because we’ll get to keep access to the Single Market, with a say over the rules of doing business across Europe. That means more jobs, lower prices, and more financial security for British families.
Britain is also safer in the EU through our close relationship with other nations, which helps us to collectively fight terrorism and cross-border crime at a time when the threats to our country are growing. We have already benefitted through the European Arrest Warrant, which has seen more than 7,000 criminals removed from the UK.
Following the renegotiation Britain was awarded a special status, which keeps us out of the Euro; outside the Schengen zone enabling us to control our borders; provides an emergency brake on migration into Britain, with a freeze on migrant benefits for the next seven years. No other country has such a status and nor are they likely to.
Whilst the EU is far from perfect, we benefit hugely from our union with Europe. The security we gain means families across the UK will continue to receive all the benefits of employment, lower prices and greater national security.
The choice in this referendum is to my mind clear: on the one hand economic security and global influence as part of the EU: the alternative is regrettably far less certain. When you cast your vote, please look to our future and with the interests of our children and grandchildren in mind.