There are only a few days left before the most important general election for half a century!
Not only must we vote for all the usual social and tax policies, but also decide on the Parties' policies on Brexit, which will determine the future for our children and grandchildren, and the integrity of the United Kingdom too.
We know that Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, UKIP and Boris Johnson's Conservative party are determined to "Get Brexit Done".
We know that the Liberal Democratic Party started to say they would Revoke Article 50 ( the decision to leave the EU ) without a further referendum, and are now saying that they would support another referendum on Brexit.
We know that the Labour Party will hold another referendum on Brexit, as since 2016 we know much more about the implications of Brexit and many people have changed their minds.
We know that the Green Party want to remain in the EU and are particularly concerned about the Climate Emergency and that the best way to mitigate it is remain in the EU and working together to tackle it.
We know that the IFS (Independent Fiscal Service) and all the think tanks whether left leaning or right leaning, the Bank of England, University Professors, have all said that Brexit ( Hard Brexit or Soft Brexit ) will damage our economy.
The economy has already been damaged by the uncertainty over Brexit but also by the austerity of the Tory government since 2010.
Not only independent economists say that Brexit will further damage the economy, but the police and justice services will lose their data sharing facilities to apprehend criminals, the NHS will lose (are already losing) the EU staff who have been filling the gaps in the NHS, nurses, consultant and junior doctors, scientists, support staff like cleaners and porters, the Care Services are also worried about losing EU staff who have been filling gaps in the service, Universities, a number of businesses, including hotels also rely on freedom of movement for staff. Freedom of movement also enables students to study in the EU.
We know that Scotland voted overwhelmingly to Remain in the EU and the SNP (Scottish Nationalist Party) are wanting to have another referendum on whether Scotland should be independent so they can remain in the EU if the government succeed in Getting Brexit Done.
Plaid Cymru in Wales are also talking about Wales becoming independent.
We know that Northern Ireland will be treated differently from the rest of the UK under Boris Johnson's Brexit.
These facts confirm that the integrity of the UK is at risk.
We know that the Prime Minister and his American friend Donald Trump both have a rather loose relationship with the truth, regularly contradicting themselves and his ministers (who haven't already resigned from the government &/or left the Conservative party,) like Michael Gove and Dominic Raab, repeat the untruth that they want to "Get Brexit Done and then the UK will be so much better off with the freedom to make Trade Deals all over the world" and especially with America. They forget that we already have Trade Deals with nations around the world as a member of the EU. Those trade deals take several years to agree and it is likely that trade deals with the UK alone will take longer. They also forget that we already have many trade deals with the other EU members and that the trade deals we have as a member of the EU have high standards for goods and services. We have most our trade within the EU which also means that perishables have a lower carbon footprint which is better for the environment.
The conclusion using the available unbiased evidence is that the Best Deal is the one we have already ie: remaining a member of the EU.
By remaining in the EU we also have a democratic voice to help reform it.
One of my friends has said that anyone thinking of voting Conservative should seek immediate medical attention!
To be more serious everyone must think really carefully about whom we vote for.
Brexit is the "elephant in the room". That decision will be the most permanent and difficult to rewind, whereas we can look at the other social policies and tax policies at the next general election in 5years time.
So first think about the evidence for our membership of the EU. Remember that Labour and the Liberal Democrats will give you a chance to change your mind in another referendum now that we have much more evidence than in 2016.
Then think about the social policies. Chat with your families and friends. Show them the evidence. Then make an informed decision.
Good Luck with your deliberations!
Then use the evidence to make an informed vote on December 12th 2019 !