Author: johnwvincent

It’s the size of a medium sized envelope. Its’ a combination of pictures and words. Its’ a got some Conservative MPs in a tizzy. The subject is a leaflet that puts the Government’s case for remaining in the EU. One arrived on my doorstep yesterday morning.
First reaction I had was; what’s all the fuss about this is rather modest. I expected something in dayglow pink, with loud headlines and grandiose claims. What I got was clear, concise and straightforward. The Government has every right to state its point of view. The Government believes the UK should remain in the EU. It would be irresponsible for them not to tell us, the voters, its reasoning.
Any kind of professional public communication costs money. The alternative is to be a secretive Government with no regard for accountability, openness and transparency. Yes, this current administration can be criticised on the issue of communication but not in this case. Starting a lengthy debate on the cost of the leaflet is a pure distraction.
If the campaigners to leave the EU are so concerned why is there no alternative text? It may be because there is no single policy position that can written down and agree between all the bickering Eurosceptic groups. For example; one group would want to whack-up tariffs and start a trade war with China and another group would run a mile before suggesting such action.
Britain is stronger, safer and better off in Europe. The messages are worth repeating. There are many reasons to REMAIN in the EU and this leaflet provides one selection.

Headlines are chasing one story: Tax. Who pays it and who should pay it? The old saying about nothing is more enduring than death and taxes is being played out in public. It’s quite appropriately so. This is the real meat of political debate. Along with security, it’s probably the most important debate that takes place in parliaments and councils. Without public funds we can’t have the public services that we demand and expect. However, if Governments take too much out of people’s pockets they stifle the creativity and dynamism that drives improvements in life.
Inheritance Tax is generally disliked because it takes a slice out of money passed from one generation to another. In the UK, Inheritance Tax receipts were around £3.8 billion in 2014-15 and have been rising.
The way this tax is levied is a sovereign matter and wholly the responsibility of the politicians in Westminster. Whereas LEAVE campaigners are wrongly arguing that the majority of our laws come from the EU; this is clearly shown to be nonsense. Here we have the most important act a government can take and it has nothing whatsoever to do with Europe.
On the positive side, the EU has been investigating the way in which large multinational corporations shift their money around to avoid National taxes. In fact, the EU offers the best way of calling large international companies, with a wealth bigger than some countries, to account. Its only by looking at the big picture can measures be designed to stop large scale tax avoidance. Another good reason to REMAIN in the EU.

It’s the biggest event since the Berlin Wall fell. Yes, not to mince my words the UK referendum on EU membership could change the political landscape for a generation or more. It could be a terrible gamble that erects dark walls all over Europe or it could start a new period of enlightenment within the European project.
I’m firmly convinced that our place is in Europe. We are strong enough, we are clever enough and we are determined enough to make that project work. What a bonus that would be: Expanding a market that covers half a billion people on our doorstep. Guaranteeing that the world sits-up and listens to Europe. Unlocking a diverse creative powerhouse where the UK would thrive.
The frightening alternative is to gamble with millions of jobs and invite a plunge into recension. If this happens it’s the younger generation who will pay the price. We should not condemn them to isolation and struggle for reasons of narrow nationalism.
I’m not saying the EU is perfect. In fact, I wouldn’t say Westminster or my local council are perfect – far from it. But the EU is a work-in-progress and not a finished project. It’s better for British pragmatism. It’s a two-way street as free movement brings people to these shores who then go home with a positive view of what we have to offer. In the next generation that means more trade and better international relations.
This referendum needs thinking about. Voting on the basis of yesterday’s headline could invite a nightmare of unimaginable proportions. Let’s fight our corner in Europe.