PROBABLY the referendum on the EU is one of the most important decisions that the people of this country will make for a very long time to come.

Neil Carmichael has publicly made a case for staying in, and in doing so has created rather a unique political situation in this constituency.

Namely, from my information he is going along with the local Labour, Lib Dems and Green position, all of who are strongly advocating the same objective - to stay in Europe. A position which reflects their national party’s policies.

This of course is where the uniqueness stops for although all four parties agree on this, they will, in the main, have very diverse reasons for doing so.

Ranging from workers and human rights retention, easier business arrangements within the EU, stronger environment legislation and give ordinary people a better and fairer relationship within the union.

Most of this country's media, in my view, are always critical of the EU and never spell out its positives attributes.

Hopefully there will be meetings arranged in this district mainly after the local elections plus leaflets given out on these issues on the streets.

For even if you disagree with this stance I suggest that you explore all the ins and outs of the arguments.

John Marjoram

Stroud District Councillor