As part of Steve McCabe MP’s local campaign to remain in the EU, he has carried out a consultation across his constituency to hear the views of over 40,000 local people in the run up to the EU Referendum. 71% of constituents who responded told Steve they want to Remain in the EU.
Steve launched his campaign by hosting Gordon Brown at a packed E57 club where the former Prime Minister made the case for staying in the EU. Steve has also been out and about talking to local people and has invited people from across Selly Oak to his community meetings.
Steve’s online consultation so far has revealed that a large majority (76%) of people think that the outcome of the EU Referendum is very important to the future of their families. The most cited reasons for why people are worried about leaving the EU came down to the economy, jobs and workers’ rights i.e. maternity leave, annual holiday leave, redundancy pay.
People listed the following reasons as positive about our membership of the EU:
- Easier to travel and live in the EU (70%)
- Able to negotiate deals with the largest trading blocs in the world (62%)
- In times of uncertainty, better to be part of a larger group (61%)
People listed the following reasons as negative about our membership of the EU:
- Immigration (45%)
- Crime and security (52%)
- Control over UK borders (48%)
46% of people believe that their children and grandchildren will have greater opportunities if we stay in the EU and only 12% believe that the younger generation will benefit if we leave the EU. 38% of people said that they are very worried about economic forecasts put forward by the IMF, The World Bank and the Bank of England which suggest that leaving the EU would have a negative impact on our economy, raising prices and interest rates. 43% feel that the UK cannot thrive as a country on its own outside the EU. 71% feel that ‘on balance’, we should remain in the EU.
Steve McCabe MP said:
“It’s great that so many of my constituents are keen to engage on this important issue, I’m always interested in hearing from local people, not just those who agree with me but also those who have come to a different conclusion. I recognise people’s concerns but believe we need to be part of the EU if we are to have a say over key issues such as crime and security.
“This is a situation where we are making a once in a generation decision that will affect millions of people not only in the here and now but well into the future, impacting our children and grandchildren. We need to confront the issues and we need to feel sure that we make the right choice for the right reasons. I’ve come to the conclusion that in terms of jobs, economic wellbeing and a decent future for our children and grandchildren, we’re better off remaining and it seems that people in my constituency share this view from the results of my constituency wide consultation so far.”
With just over two weeks to go Steve is interested in hearing from as many many people as possible. To take part in Steve’s survey click here
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