Turnout will be key in EU referendum

Sir, - On March 30 the House of Lords EU Committee called for a “positive, inclusive vision” of our membership of the EU and insisted that the UK Government should “articulate the positive benefits of EU membership”.

This echoes the report by the European and External Relations Committee of the Scottish Parliament, which called for a “positive case to be made for EU membership in Scotland”.

Recent polls have indicated the gap between those in Scotland wanting to remain and those wanting to leave is narrowing.

This should act as a wake-up call to those who favour our continued membership.

As an organisation we will continue to sell a positive message on the benefits our membership brings and urge others to do likewise.

We need to capture some of the energy that existed during the Scottish independence referendum and motivate people to turn out and vote for Europe.

Turnout will be key and we know those in favour of Brexit are more likely to vote.

It is vital all who support our membership, but especially young people for whom the outcome of the referendum will have a major impact, use their vote.

A vote to remain should not be taken for granted.

Those in favour of our membership must not be complacent, otherwise we could end up sleepwalking to Brexit.

The peace, stability and prosperity that the EU has brought to Scotland should be cherished.

We will continue to put forward an unashamedly positive case for our continued EU membership. We intend to do our best to ensure that everyone can see the advantages our membership brings.

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem. President, The European Movement in Scotland, 2 Walker Street, Edinburgh.