I’ve always believed that the British people should be able to have their own say on Europe. That’s why I campaigned for a referendum, that’s why I voted for a referendum in Parliament and that’s why I’m so pleased that the British people will finally get their say.
On most other issues, I am sent by you to Westminster to vote on decisions on your behalf. On this issue, you will get to vote individually. My vote is only one of tens of thousands that will be cast in Hertsmere, and one of tens of millions that will be cast across the United Kingdom on 23rd June 2016. You get to personally decide on this vital question- my vote and my decision will have no more or less impact than yours.
This is a very difficult and complex decision about what is in the best interests of our country. This inevitably involves both the heart and the head. As your Member of Parliament, I therefore see my primary duty as facilitating people in making this decision by furnishing them with all the facts that are available. That’s why I will be organising a debate in Hertsmere so that we can hear arguments both for and against our continued membership of the European Union. I will let you know details of the event closer to the time, please email me on oliver@oliverdowden.com if you would like to attend.
I know that this will be a difficult decision for many people and that everyone will be driven by what is in the best interests of the United Kingdom. I completely respect both sides of the argument. Personally, I remain deeply sceptical about the EU. I have reluctantly accepted the Prime Minister’s argument that we should remain at this stage. And now the choice is yours.
- This article appeared in the May 2016 issue of MyRadlett and MyBushey News