Express & Star

Express & Star comment: Time to let the people have their say at last

So here we are, the day has dawned for Britain to make up its mind.

Published

Do we stay as part of the European Union or do we embrace a fresh chapter, standing on our own two feet and forging relationships with friends old and new across the world?

The EU only has itself to blame for this referendum being such a close call.

If our European partners had treated Britain with more respect over the years there wouldn't be such a clamour in some quarters to leave. We are told that our neighbours are desperate for us to stay. However, when David Cameron went to get this country a new deal he was sent home packing with a flea in his ear and his tail firmly between his legs with nothing to show for his efforts.

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What this demonstrated is that Europe is keen to talk about reforms but on their terms, not ours. Mr Cameron has led a wretched campaign. Project Fear has not just sullied his reputation but George Osborne's as well.

Despite the orchestrated support of big business, the spin has failed to convince millions of voters.

Likewise, for all the claims about trade it is an inconvenient truth for the Remain camp that just six per cent of our companies export to the EU.

It is telling that Mr Cameron, along with other supposed Eurosceptics such as Jeremy Corbyn, has airbrushed his previous highly-critical statements about the EU from history.

As for the Leave campaign, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove have performed relatively well, although their failure to keep the divisive Nigel Farage in the wings and away from the public gaze in recent weeks could cost them dear.

Mr Farage is unlikely to win over any new voters. As such it is inexplicable that he has been let off the leash in the crucial final weeks of the campaign.

Given David Cameron's former PR guru Steve Hilton is involved in the Brexit camp, the Leave campaign should have known better.

As for the issues, who knows?

Neither side has been truthful or clear about the economy.

Similarly, the facts on how much we pay into the EU remain muddied, though there is little doubt that we pay far more in than we receive back.

Immigration has been the issue the Remain campaign has been desperate to avoid. While it has had a huge impact on areas like the West Midlands, Messrs Corbyn and Osborne will rarely have first hand experience of the pressures it has brought to towns and cities like ours.

Finally, for all the talk that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, don't presume it settles the question for good. The EU and the Establishment in Britain clearly want us to remain closely tied to Brussels.

If we vote to stay in the EU, there is little chance of a second referendum for decades.

However, if we do vote to leave, do not be surprised if the country is asked the question again in a few years' time. Maybe then, we will have far better terms on the table.

But would the Eurocrats really run the risk of asking the Great British public again?

Far more likely that they would turn to our elected representatives to get it 'right' and not run the risk of giving ordinary voters their say.

Either way, the Express & Star asks you – our readers – to make up your own minds and judge for yourselves what is best.

It is a momentous day for Britain, for Europe and the wider world.

Today, we have the rare power to change things so whatever you do, please get out and vote.

The time has come.

Let the people's voice be heard.

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