WITH the EU referendum just a month away, many British undecided voters are demanding “more facts and less spin” before deciding how their vote is placed.

The sad reality is that predicting the short-term consequences is like licking your finger and holding it up to determine the likely weather.

My vote will be determined by history and my memories of post-war Europe and my hopes for Britain and Europe in the century ahead.

When Britain, along with Denmark and the Irish Republic, joined the original six European Economic Community members in 1973, no fewer than 10 of the current members of the current European Union, (plus Eastern Germany), were under Communist dictatorship behind the Iron Curtain.

Three current members, Spain, Portugal and Greece were under military/Fascist dictatorship.

While those countries remain part of the EU, the continuation of democratic rule is guaranteed.

However, with the rise of ugly right-wing nationalism in continental Europe and its tweed-jacketed, pint-swilling avuncular UK equivalent, the future stability of a democratic and outward looking Europe cannot be taken for granted. 

Britain is as important for the future of Europe as Europe is for the future of Britain.

The shock of Brexit would be felt across the continent. The current stability of Europe is recent and fragile.

Nationalist resentments would be likely to increase along with further countries exiting.

If Britain does vote to leave the EU on June 23, for myself I will be saddened.

For the Britain and Europe that my step-children, my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren, (yet to be born), will inherit, I will weep.

– Cllr Bruce Hogan (Lab), Forest of Dean District Council, Lydbrook and Ruardean).