Youth ignored in the referendum debate

Dear Sir,

It's probably fair to say the European referendum debate has focused more on fear than hope, with both sides failing to paint a positive enough picture of their respective positions to capture the imagination of the electorate.

Chief among those who feel ignored in the debate are young people. On one side, engagement with younger voices has boiled down to confusion about who will or won't play at a Brexit music festival. On the other side, very little has been said about what benefits the EU brings for school leavers, university students or those commencing their working lives.

While many are concerned about the effect on their current burning issue such as buying their first house, funding their education or their next holiday, it is important they also take a longer term view of the decision on the country and their place in it.

Whether it's EU funding for apprenticeships, opening up Europe's skies to budget airlines, abolishing roaming fees or giving students the chances and means to live and work on the continent, some of the EU's most positive and noticeable contributions to the UK are of direct benefit to this country's younger generation.

The In campaign needs to look beyond the EU as an institution and focus instead on it as a source of opportunity and excitement. Inspiring young people about what Europe can offer them is more likely to encourage them to turn out to vote and if enough do to securing our continued membership of the EU.

In this regard, everyone can do their bit. By ensuring that our children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends all cast their vote in a week's time, we can guarantee that future generations will be able to share in the many benefits of EU membership, just as we have.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Peter Hirst

Middlewich