The UK in the EU - you put your right foot in....

As British politics continues to be polarised as to whether or not we should remain in Europe, we would do well to take a look back before we start considering the ramifications of a future referendum.

In 1967, the UK was rebuffed for the second time by the then French President Charles De Gaulle. De Gaulle was totally against British membership of the Common Market. He was not alone. Despite Britain having played a key role in ensuring French liberation during the Second World War, De Gaulle and other European leaders remained suspicious of the British and were openly more happy with them outside the tent looking in.

With Paul Sykes this week promising to bank roll UKIP in an attempt to guarantee a referndum for the British people, it is worth considering the outcome of a "No" vote. Certainly we would leave the EU but should things subsequently change for the worse, we might not find it quite so easy to get back in. Going to Brussels cap in hand would be ignominious enough but to be spurned would be moreso.

Having digested the arguments on both sides of the debate over the last few years, I remain committed to us having a referendum. People born after 1957 have not yet been afforded their say on the matter. Regardless of what they think, they at least deserve to have their say. This counts for everyone between the ages of 18 and 55. That is a lot of people. Granted, some may be indifferent but many are known to have strong views and successive opinion polls show that two thirds want to have their say.

We have given the Welsh a say which has resulted in them having a National Assembly in Cardiff. The Scots have achieved the same result in Edinburgh and nearly went one step further last year. Yet we are all denied our say on something which impacts massively on the country. Our EU membership impacts on our laws, our taxes and many other aspects of our lives besides. While we have correctly resisted calls to join the Euro, we really need this referendum to settle the debate. Can you imagine having this Coalition for 38 years with no opportunity to vote them out? That would be unthinkable. The same should apply regarding our EU membership. That is not unreasonable - just fair.