Speech at EU Referendum Debate 2/3/16.

Let's be clear - we are NOT talking about ‘Leaving Europe’ – that’s the wonderful and diverse continent of 50 countries to which will always belong - but whether we want to be governed by the institutions of the European Union - a political project of 28 countries, voted for by no-one.

The problems with the EU are well documented. It is;

• undemocratic and un-reformable,
• expensive and wasteful,
• expansionist and interfering,
• it is
• riddled with fraud,
• we have little to no influence,
• it’s a risk to our security,
• and it is economically crippled by the euro.
• ….but apart from that, it's fine.

By leaving the EU we can

• Still trade with people and companies in the EU on better terms than we have now.
• Still travel freely in Europe without the need for a visa,
• Still have Worker’s Rights and Human Rights laws in British Law.
• Still co-operate on big global issues, like climate change and counter-terrorism through international bodies like the UN, Interpol and the WTO.

Free of the EU we can also

• set up trade deals with the parts of the world that are actually have growth.
• Reclaim our democracy so we can hold our politicians to account
• Regain and our personal freedom and protection under the British Common Law, where we are innocent until proven guilty, and can’t be arrested without evidence.
• We can scrap EU regulations that we don’t want, and certainly didn’t vote for.
• Welcome immigrants on the basis of the skills our industries and public services need, not based on where they were born.

The Remainers will try to spread fear – that brexit is a ‘leap into the dark’, but they are wasting their time…

• Because  we, in these islands are motivated by hope, not fear…
• Because we are
• ambitious and adventurous,
• innovative and industrious,
• internationalist and outward looking,
• Because we know freedom is so very hard won, but easily lost…
• Because we will remember that we are a powerful and influential nation, the world’s 5th biggest economy, 4th military power, permanent member of the UN security council. We are the world's financial centre and gave it legal and democratic systems, and freedom by standing alone against totalitarianism.
• Because we live in an interconnected, interdependent, international world – a world that we shaped and must re-engage with.
• Because we will vote – for a confident stride in to the light – as a proud, free, democratic and prosperous United Kingdom.