“Liberalism is trust of the people tempered by prudence. Conservatism is distrust of the people tempered by fear”. William E. Gladstone wasn’t half right. Every time I read an article from a Brexiter its about fear and failure. There seems to be an obsession with both. Lines like: “voters cowed”, “never get what it wants …”, “Cameron blew his big chance…”, “We don’t need trade deals…”. Generally, they aren’t an optimistic bunch. They’re rather gloomy and pessimistic but hold a glossy romantic notion of the 1950s. True there a few like Johnson who might best be described as a dangerous adventurer or buccaneering buffoon but who would want to put our Country in their hands? Britain was in decline before it joined the EEC so let’s not go back to those days.
Personally, I’m highly optimistic that Britain in the EU will thrive and grow. The evidence of my experience living, working and travelling in Europe makes this a perfectly prudent thing to say. Today, it’s in the news that the unemployment rate is the lowest since 2005. The status of the world’s 5th largest economy was achieved whilst part of the EU. London remains a cosmopolitan global city. There’s a host of reasons to be optimistic.
World beating engineering companies like Rolls Royce want us to stay in the EU. They value the stability that ensures they can make long-term investments in new technology. British universities not only gain financially from the EU but profit from a collaborative approach. We are a smart nation.
One chance is all we get at this EU referendum. More than anything else the impact will be felt by those who are just leaving school or university. For the next 40 years, their world will be shaped by the decision that people will make. Just as my future was shaped by the 1975 vote. Have confidence and Vote Remain.
John Vincent 