Express & Star Comment: EU referendum is once in a generation chance
It is extremely rare that ordinary people get the chance to play a direct role deciding the path this nation takes.
The EU referendum is the first time in more than 40 years that the citizens of this country will get a say on whether we should be part of the European project.
It maybe a cliché, but it really is a once in a generation opportunity to decide the future of this country.
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Every five years or so we get the chance to keep in or boot out the government of the day.
But June 23 is about voting on a key policy for the whole nation and 60 million citizens.
Such an opportunity to have our voices heard may not come around again.
The Prime Minister has had his say. Boris Johnson and Michael Gove have had theirs.
But now it is over to you.
We are sure that there will be much debate over the dinner table, in the pub, or over the garden fence with the neighbour.
It is likely to be an enlightening experience, throwing up strange bedfellows as bizarre of the cross-party unions emerging in Westminster.
Who could have pictured David Cameron, Jeremy Corbyn, and Nicola Sturgeon in one camp and Boris Johnson, Michael Gove, and Nigel Farage in the other?
Today the Express & Star launches the biggest survey of its kind to get the opinions of Black Country and Staffordshire folk.
Away from the political bubble, we want to hear what you – our readers – think are the most pressing issues going into the referendum.
Are you satisfied with the Prime Minister's deal or has he sold us short?
Is there unfilled potential sitting outside the EU? Or are the risks of leaving just too great?
We hope you will take part.
We will use the results to indicate the clearest picture of opinion emerging from this proud region.
MPs, business leaders, and parts of the media will all be giving you their opinions over the coming weeks.
At times it will feel like you have too much opinion.
At other times you will feel like you don't have enough.
But one thing is for sure – you will not be short of people telling you how to vote.
But it is not their decision.
In or out of the EU?
It is up to you.
