Redditch divided over EU debate - The Redditch Standard

Redditch divided over EU debate

Redditch Editorial 11th Jun, 2016 Updated: 18th Oct, 2016   0

THE vote on whether to Remain or Leave the European Union has caused divisions right across the country.

Only yesterday Conservative MP Sarah Wolstenhome, who had previously been in favour of leaving the EU, came out in favour of remaining, citing concerns that the NHS would be worse off if Britain decided to go it alone.

Here in Reddditch the divisions run just as deep with the town’s Borough Councillor Roger Bennett (Con, Headless Cross, Oakenshaw) announcing will be leading the ‘Out Campaign’ for the European Referendum in Redditch.

Coun Bennett said: “I have felt for some time now that being in Europe is not in the best interests of our country and I would urge every resident here in Redditch to use their vote and vote to leave.”




Redditch MP Karen Lumley has already firmly laid out her views on the pending EU referendum, stating that she will also be voting to leave on June 23.

Mrs Lumley said: “This is a decision that will be a once in a lifetime. I am only one voter in the thousands in Redditch but as your MP I believe you have the right to know where I stand on this issue.”


However Coun Jane Potter (Con, Astwood Bank & Feckenham) said: “As far as I am concerned we would spend an awful lot of time and effort getting out of the EU and then a similar amount of time and effort renegotiating trade deals with them, and I am sure they would make the free movement of labour one of the pre-conditions of any deal.

“I also think it would be immensely difficult to make our own way in the world on our own, and if we left it would also probably lead to the break up of the UK.

“I am also so worried about the vitriolic nature of the Leave argument – so from an economic point of view and a moral point of view we should stay with our neighbours and friends.”

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