The EU referendum on June 23rd is the most important decision facing our country in a generation. The decision will be irreversible. We will not have another chance in five years time to change our minds as if it were a general election. This decision is once and for all.
I very much believe it is in Britain’s interest to stay a member of of the European Union for jobs, prosperity and security.
Newton Aycliffe now boasts the largest business park in the North East. Many of the companies on the park and in the surrounding area trade with the rest of Europe. Hitachi and Gestamp are good examples, but there are many more. Even if a company does not trade directly with Europe it may probably supply another company that does. In a recent survey of companies in the area, over 80% wanted the UK to remain in the EU. Over 50% said leaving the EU would force them to review their business and investment plans.
These companies employ thousands of local people. In my view remaining in Europe will help secure employment, encourage further inward investment and therefore further job growth and prosperity.
Of course we need to see further reform of the EU, but we shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water by leaving the largest single market which allows British companies to trade and sell goods to 500 million people in 28 EU countries. The USA, China, India, Canada, Australia , New Zealand and Japan all want us to stay a member of the EU. Much of the inward investment from these countries into Europe comes to the UK because we are part of the European Union.
Membership of the EU has helped bring rights to working people, such as on paid annual leave and maternity leave. The EU has also helped to preserve peace in Europe since the Second World War. NATO protects us militarily, but the soft power of European diplomacy and trade amongst European nations can not be underestimated for maintaining the longest period of peace in Europe in our history.
For all these reasons, and more, I’ll be voting to see the UK remain a Member of the EU on June 23rd.
