Horsham MP says he will vote to stay in EU

Mr Quin said David Cameron’s renegotiation deal with EU leaders over the UK’s membership was a ‘sufficiently good package’ and added trading agreements which are part of EU membership were a ‘substantial benefit’ to the UK.

His statement read: “On the 23rd June the Conservative Party will have fulfilled its manifesto commitment to give us all a vote on whether to Leave or Remain in the EU. It will be the most important vote I have ever cast, appropriately I have had to do more soul-searching on this issue than any other.

“We are the world’s 5th largest economy, one of the world’s leading military powers, a member of the UN Security Council, NATO and the Commonwealth. We have more Nobel prize winners and more top rated universities than any other state in Europe. I believe we could go it alone if we choose.

“However I believe we and generations to come will have a better future if we remain within a reformed EU.

The EU presents many frustrations but it also offers substantial benefits to the UK, at the core of which is a market of 500m people open and available to UK businesses. Through the EU we have trading agreements with many other nations based on the EU’s clout as the largest single market in the world. The UK withdrawing now would create major instability at what is already a time of deep global economic uncertainty.

“The benefits are not solely economic. The EU represents a coming together of Western democratic states, a beacon of light and a positive force at a time of global conflict. I find compelling the strong views expressed by the former Military Chiefs and the Home Secretary that being in the EU makes us safer.

“Following the Prime Minister’s renegotiation we have secured a special status within the EU.

“Our border checks will remain, we will continue to keep the pound (which will be protected from EU discrimination) and we, uniquely, have made clear that we will not participate in the EU’s drive for “ever-closer union”.

European migrants, in my view, come to the UK to work, not to claim benefits but means by which this “pull factor” into the UK could be reduced are being brought forward.

“Inevitably we have not received everything from the renegotiation that I would have liked.

“However I still believe it leaves us in a position in which we will be able to exert influence over the world’s largest market for goods and services while knowing that we will remain distinct and separate, with our essential interests protected, if Europe continues to integrate.

“I believe it is a sufficiently good package to enable me to vote to Remain.

“I regard the renegotiation as only the start of reform in the EU. I believe other member-states will also join us in helping reshape the EU to ensure it remains a competitive, outward looking force in the years ahead.

“The Conservative Party is neutral in the referendum and my vote weighs no heavier than any other in Horsham.

“Voters will determine whether to Leave or Remain on the basis of the national campaign.

“However, having been asked, I wanted to share why, after a huge amount of careful deliberation, I will vote to Remain.

“Once the referendum is concluded Parliament will implement the decision of the British people.”

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