My Place in Europe.

Today is the day when the 'Vote Leave' heavyweights talk bout immigration. This, they believe, is their big chance to persuade voters in the referendum that we are better off out of the EU.

I have found the last few weeks of electioneering incredibly confusing and vague. Politicians on both sides of the argument have made their points with concise ambiguity . If we leave the EU, the economy might grow. If we leave, the economy might not grow. If we leave the EU, trade may increase, If we leave, trade may not increase. And so on.

I know I am not alone in being baffled. As I cast my eyes through my Facebook feed, I notice that the lack of meaningful dialogue has led to some alarming and misinformed posts being shared widely:





The worrying thing is, in the absence of meaningful debate, voters will use such propaganda to help them make an informed decision!

As for me, I have been thinking a lot about my own experiences as a member of the EU to help me in my decision.

I've been thinking about my Grandma, in a care home. She is surrounded by Europeans from various nationalities who treat her with compassion and dignity. They always have a smile on their face. I'm in awe of the job they do.

I've been thinking about my daughter, who recently had a series of visits a dermatology specialist. This doctor had moved here from another European country. I'm grateful for her - my daughter's skin condition has now been cured.

I've been thinking about a conscientious and studious child in my class. She happens to be Polish. Her parents work very hard in a  factory. They work long hours and unsocial shifts. They are amongst the best parents I have come into contact with.

I've been thinking about my brother-in-law and his family in France and how much our family enjoys going to visit them. He moved from the UK to be with his French wife.

I've been thinking hard, and cannot recall a single time when I have come into contact with an illegal immigrant who is claiming benefits without lifting a finger to pay their way.

Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong places, but my point is that being in the EU has brought colour, diversity and skills into our country, and I feel like I have been a beneficiary of that.