EU: are you in or out?
IN JUST seven days – Thursday June 23 – the public will decide the fate of the United Kingdom as a member of the European Union (EU).
Throughout June the debate has been hotting up, and now, entering the final week, it is nearing boiling point.
Political parties are bitterly divided on the issue and, depending on its result, the referendum could mark the end of David Cameron’s premiership. But this is not a matter for politicians to decide, it is down to the public.
The Courier took to the streets of Campbeltown this week to find out what Kintyre people think about the issues and the EU itself. Here is the result:
Paul Campbell, a 32-year-old strength and conditioning coach originally from Campbeltown, said: ‘I am undecided and do not pay attention to political news.
‘I am registered to vote but will probably not cast one.’
Retired local government officer, Steve Myers, 69, from Huddersfield visiting Kin- tyre has already voted by post. He said that he strongly believes the UK is better off remaining in the EU.
Mr Myers said: ‘We would be financially worse off if we left and there are strong social and defence arguments for Britain to stay.’
Mr Myers wife, Denise, 72, agrees with the remain campaign. Mrs Myers said: ‘We are simply better off in than out. Coming out of the EU would cause huge fuss, especially with trade agreements.’
Catherine Spence, 79, a retiree from Campbeltown, said: ‘One minute I am in, one minute I am out.
‘I am sitting on the fence at the moment but I will definitely vote.
‘Both sides in the debate are playing off one another and are engaging in very negative political point-scoring which is unhelpful for voters trying to make up their minds.’
Taxi driver, Andrew Galbraith, aged 48, is undecided. He said: ‘Neither side is being truthful and it is hard to know who to believe.
‘The current referendum debate is reminiscent of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum as the same scare tactics, used in 2014, have once again come to the fore.’
James Green, a 68-year-old street cleaner said: ‘I will probably vote next week but have not decided which box to cross.
‘Whatever happens happens and someone will get richer following the referendum, regardless of the outcome.’
Café owner, Malcolm Blanchflower, said: ‘We have got to do something about migration, I think this is the top concern about the EU for the majority of people.’
Neil McEachran, 76, a retired man from Campbeltown, said: ‘I will definitely be voting for Britain to leave the European Union. Britain must reclaim its sovereignty and no longer allow Brussels to dictate.’
Retiree Hugh Colville, aged 72, from Kintyre, said: ‘I will vote to leave the EU. The UK sends too much money to Brussels and we hardly get half of it back.
‘I voted no in the Scottish independence referendum and wonder why Nicola Sturgeon, who has been campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU, is willing to be ruled from Brussels but not from Westminster.’
George Thomson, a 54-year-old retiree originally from Glasgow but living in Machrihanish, said: ‘Staying in the EU is best for Kintyre because the EU does a lot to keep remote areas alive.’
Student nurse AnneMarie Bennet, 36, said: ‘Britain is stronger together with other countries and it is better to be in the union than outside of it.
‘Legislation passed by the EU protects workers’ rights and is a reason to remain a member of the union.’