John Major, a former British prime minister, writes:

At elections, political tribes join together to promote their own policies and criticise those of their opponents. That’s the nature of elections. But there are always individuals who enhance parliament. And there are always policies upon which every party can agree.

One is democracy, and the right of every adult to vote. At every election the future of our country is at stake. But on this occasion even more than usual.

When the nation voted on Brexit it did so on a diet of fiction and undeliverable promises. As the facts become known, it’s extraordinary that a new vote is denied: extraordinary, and frankly undemocratic.

People have strong views on Brexit. Mine are very clear. I believe that leaving the European Union is the worst foreign policy decision in my lifetime. It will affect nearly every aspect of our lives for many decades to come and it will make our country poorer and weaker, and the individuals within it. It will hurt most those who have least.

Never have the stakes been higher, especially for the young. Brexit may even break up our historic United Kingdom. Within a few years, Scotland may leave the union. Northern Ireland may unite with the south. Both may do so in order to remain within the EU.

Our young generation has already recognised this – by registering to vote in record numbers. And your vote is absolutely crucial – for you have the longest lease on our country’s future, and our place in the wider world. So my message to you is very clear: don’t allow your future to be shaped by others, with no input from yourselves. You – every single one of you – can make a difference to the election result.

So don’t hang back. Don’t wait until Friday 13 December and then regret that you didn’t make a choice. [Continue reading…]