I cast my vote in favour of the United Kingdom to remain in Europe.

Before I voted, I set out to read what Europe was about and discovered that its founding ideals were more than just about business and being a trade group.

It was about setting out an aspiration for the future of a continent, that 11 years before I was born, had suffered with the worst ravages of war. In the space of a few short years, the continent had transformed itself and the lives of its people. I was in no doubt when I placed my ‘x’ in favour on the ballot paper, that I was voting to strengthen my British identity whilst sharing a common European heritage. The result was a resounding 67% in favour of continued membership.

Contrast those heady intervening days and years to the current debate which is dominated by EU misogyny.

Consider also how in a few short years, our Prime Minister, David Cameron, has chosen the National and International stage to run his own agenda and that of his party; this is now the second time in his Prime Ministerial career that he has placed the ordinary lives of every single UK man, woman and child in jeopardy.

How ironic it is to see a Prime Minister now rage against a Federal State concept, when he himself fought to save the ‘federal’ nature of this United Kingdom during the Scottish Independence Referendum!

When you boil this current debate down to its bare essentials, it is the mob repeating the mantra of the likes of Farage, IDS and others. They claim that mass-migration (including my personal favourite that we are open to 500 million people coming to these shores almost immediately!), is the root of all our problems and that the wicked EU is to blame for all our ills! It has left me wondering, what role do UK Ministers play, if they are so concerned, when they meet with their contemporaries on The Council of the European Union? Let us remember that the real tragedy of the Eastern Mediterranean lays firmly in the lack of action by the International Community and of course, the infamous duo, in the form of Sarkozy & Cameron, and their liberation and withdrawal from Libya! Is it not obvious what must be done, instead of arguing that it is best to draw up the bridge? Where is our leadership, experience and counsel on these issues; trapped in the Shires & the Red-Tops I believe?

As the years have passed, I realise that I am not only the product of migration; my identity is a combination of heritage, birth and professional activity – I know what lies at the very core of my soul; I am British, Irish, French, German, Italian, European and I have a passion and loyalty to what identifies me. I do not need a flag or some faux-political nationality to define my own political ambition, patriotism, security or humanity.

Those that know me will know that part on my work on Consumer issues takes me into the heart of Europe. Now any sensible person will tell you that Europe is not perfect, but I can also tell you that it is easier for me to meet and speak with MEP’s and EU Civil Servants than it is to even get a Westminster MP to respond, let alone engage on issues that are important to the health & safety of ordinary Consumers.

I have heard dear reader, that the Westminster clique want a return of powers; can you hear the peals of laughter from me and my fellow Campaigners? They won’t legislate on anything important for the daily lives of UK Citizens; they will however legislate for the interests of big business – it is a lie being perpetrated on the British people, which they in turn are swallowing hook, line & sinker!

A few years ago, I met with a very senior Civil Servant in Brussels. He took me on a walking tour of all the Institutions of the EU whilst we debated the Union's value and how ordinary people could benefit from its work. As I crossed the Place du Luxembourg toward the EU Parliament, I could see concrete blocks interspersed with a gap between each block. The blocks were covered in graffiti and as I approached I knew instinctively that these were what was left of the Berlin Wall. My host explained to me in the days before the wall fell, those in the Commission knew what was going to happen. He had led the discussions within the Commission, which resulted in a dash across Germany to rescue what was an important piece of European history before it was broken up for commerce or landfill. This was a history that is underpinned by the resting bones of many British and American boys in cemeteries across the continent; it is also the history of those whose own desperate flight to flee the east, are represented by a number of small white crosses on a fence, literally metres from the German Bundestag.

As I stood facing, touching and walking around the concrete blocks, thinking about sacrifice, history and political vision, my companion walked me through to the future in the form of the European Parliament. Over lunch we talked of history and of Britain’s role in the EU and how I could make a difference. What was clear throughout our conversation is that Europe likes the British people, but as I was told, there is much puzzlement with our political class and their lack of engagement in Europe. He told me that there was a strong sense that Britain had much experience and counsel to offer the Union, yet it chose not to do so. Surely this revelation of a general quiet disinterest is a failure of the British Political Class towards the needs of its people?

My European experience and work has delivered strong results; results that would not have happened under the Westminster system. It has also opened important dialogues with many across the Member States area, which in turn has influenced the political debate.

Over the last 24 hours, I have watched, like many of you, the cry rise up against Europe (for example; we have no control over our own Parliament and our laws – read the alternative view!). The initial-rush ‘audience’ appears to be made up of an older generation, some of whom have had a good and fulfilling life, a life of benefit under the EU, yet, they would now seek to impose, in their later years, without a proper analysis, misery and uncertainty for their children and grandchildren and the rest of the United Kingdom - how patriotic is that - is this what it now means to be British?

I fear that our Prime Minister, who will be remembered in history for all the wrong reasons, has naively opened a Pandora’s box and whatever its outcome, I will never lose my pride in being able to say, I contributed, I developed, I made a difference to those I represent; I am European – show me the way to the ballot box now!

© Frank Brehany 2016 - All Rights Reserved (First Published on 21/2/16)