EU Referendum - a decision of a lifetime!

Politicians and community officials are urging people to vote on the EU referendum. Both the Remain and Brexit campaigns are pushing for the minority vote. According to the latest HMB Facebook poll, it is looking as though the HMB audience is very much in the Brexit camp, but it could all change in the coming days as there is a final push before the big day.

This is in line with other national polls. The TNS online poll has given the Brexit camp a seven point lead at 47% compared to 40% for the Remain camp. Around 13% are still undecided. It seems that the figures are too close to call and taking into account recent general election polls, nothing is predictable – even the polls!.

After the tragic death of the inspirational Jo Cox, there has been a hold on campaigning as a mark of respect. However, normal services have resumed as there is a final push in the last few days before polling day. Nevertheless, there it seems that there will is a reduction in aggressive campaigning after Jo Cox’s death as people realise that there is more to life than politics.

Prime Minister has urged British Indians to vote for staying in the European Union.  Speaking at the Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, PM Cameron iterated that our values are best-protected and our aspirations fulfilled by staying in than out.

The Chancellor George Osbourne also made an impassionate plea. He visited the BAPS Swaminarayan’s Neasden Temple in north London. ‘Our closest trading partners like India would like us to remain in the EU as the UK is a gateway to the rest of Europe.

British Asian politicians are firmly divided which does not make it any easier for the public to make a decision. The high profile name of Priti Patel continues to campaign for the Brexit camp at the cost of losing her close ties with the Prime Minister – she too has visited the Neasden Temple a few days after the PM;s visit. Meanwhile, others like Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Seema Malhotra and Justice Minister Shailesh Vara are in the Remain camp.

It is coming down to an individual choice as to which way to vote. But what is critical is that people do use their vote as this is one of the biggest decisions for people in a generation. Whatever happens, it is going to have an enormous impact on how ‘we the people’ are governed for the next generation and beyond.