Brendan O’Hara - The view from Westminster
JUST weeks after Scotland went to the polls to elect its government, we will do it all again on June 23 in the referendum about European Union (EU) membership.
Most understand the importance of parliamentary elections for schools, hospitals and public services. I worry that the importance of the EU in everyday lives is forgotten.
The EU is 28 sovereign countries working to pursue a common and collective purpose and Britain should be an equal part of that.
For 70 years, the EU has delivered peace and prosperity to a continent traditionally at loggerheads and often at war with itself.
If the UK chooses to leave the EU we risk losing access to European arrest warrants, the European criminal records system and EU-Interpol co-operation, vital for combating terrorism and other crimes.
The EU benefits business granting access to shared markets, flows of trade, investment and labour.
The EU accounts for around 42 per cent of our total exports. It is good for the food and drink sector locally in Argyll and Bute but equally important for Scotland.
Membership has made us fairer, by improving working conditions via shared regulations such as the working time directive preventing employees having excessively long hours.
EU legislation has also helped with non-discrimination and parental rights, which have benefited many families.
Tourism is vital to Scotland with overseas visitors spending £1.8 billion in 2014 – around £900 million of which was from visitors from within Europe.
I would never argue that the EU is perfect – far from it. Reforms are needed but that is only possible from within.
Britain stands to lose far more than we may perceive to have gained if we vote to exit.
Ultimately, on June 23, you will have to decide where we go from here. I will vote to remain because I am convinced that, despite its faults, the EU is the best way to ensure we are wealthier, healthier, greener, fairer and safer.