tomorrow voters in britain will choose our destiny in europe. for all its flaws i’m proud to be part of such a noble project as the european union. a community of diverse nations joining together to advance a shared vision of european civilisation. a union whose differences are settled by negotiation not war. a union that sets civil rights, workers rights and environmental standards higher than its members could individually. a union that gives its citizens the freedom to live and work anywhere in an entire continent. a union that removes barriers to trade within its borders. a union that speaks internationally with the force of the largest economic entity on the planet. a union that celebrates diversity, tolerance and openness.

the first 50 years of the union were the easy part. it was a time of optimism and wealth. the next 50 years will be infinitely harder. the world is a darker place. every value on which the union was founded is under attack. if it is to survive and continue to advance its ideals the union must evolve, and must do so dramatically. everyone who believes in its ideals must be ready to fight for the necessary changes. the siren calls to abandon the project are a perilous illusion.

tomorrow i shall cast my ballot for the uk to remain in the union. i hope that many others will do the same.