In the last few weeks in the run up to the EU referendum it’s not unexpected that we’re being bombarded from both sides of the argument in the hope that they can sway our votes but how do you cut through all the noise and make a decision?
It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, there are only 3 things to consider…
Politics is normally a subject that I prod half-heartedly and then decided to leave well-enough alone. Not this time. I have read all the leaflets that came through the door, watched a lot of news reports and listened to many radio debates. I involved myself quite early on in various discussions with family, friends, colleagues and total strangers and I have found that most people fall in to one of two categories – either they have decided and can argue why they have reached that decision or they shrug and say things like ‘better the devil you know’. In terms of a decision making process, I have been up and down the 7-steps to the point of turmoil and genuine worry about the gravity of the choice I have to make because ultimately, no one knows what the future will look like whichever way the vote goes. Thankfully now, I have made my decision and I welcome voting day when I will confidently mark my X in the box knowing that I’m making my own choice for my own reasons and wherever you are in your decision process (and I include those of you who are still pretending this is not really happening) I hope that I can help.
Firstly, the Brexit issue is a huge deal, it will have massive consequences and will shape our nation and the world for future generations and I feel that this has to be acknowledged before anyone can consider the options.
Caroline Criado-Perez’s article in Grazia magazine highlights a few points that I hadn’t previously considered such as “there are one million more women than men who are eligible to vote” making the women’s vote – a hard fought victory in itself, hugely influential.
This is a one-time choice
It’s very unlikely that we will be given an opportunity for a ‘do-over’ so anyone who is eligible to vote on 23rd June must. Be an active participant in this decision and encourage others to do the same.
The fundamental argument is one of sovereignty. Should Britons have supreme power over the UK? This is a trip hazard as so far being in the EU, we have been granted special privileges which many think will be allowed to continue should we remain but there are no guarantees which brings us back to the fundamental issue – which governing body do you think should ultimately be granted the power?
The secondary argument is economic. This is a harder point to debate because lets get real, money appeals to one of the worst characteristics of human nature; greed.
Don’t forget the rest of the world. Britain is part of the Commonwealth. Switzerland is not in the EU. English is the most commonly spoken language around the globe. We will always be a part of Europe.
And that really is it. The rest is just noise.
If there was ever an opportunity to change the world, this is it people. Take it, I am and I hope that my vote will help to make a change for the better. But then again, I’m just 1 mum.