‘It’s a question of principle. I feel that if I vote for Brexit I’m voting for democracy’
HUBERT CECIL, 24, is a professional photographer who lives in west London. He has extensive experience of Europe and visited the Balkans last year studying the migrant crisis.
What do you think of the EU?
I don’t feel represented by it. To try to address the needs of 28 countries under one banner – political or financial – is folly.
What is the main reason you will vote to leave?
It’s a question of principle. The EU hasn’t signed off on its accounts for 20 years. It is completely opaque, we can’t choose who heads up the commission or its executive and it represents us. I feel that if I vote for Brexit I’m voting for democracy.
Do you think that the EU has kept peace in Europe?
I think Nato is more effective than the EU. The only credible threat is Russia and that threat is being overblown.
The intelligence sharing argument is also untrue. The French and Belgium’s hardly share. The apparatus isn’t there. A lot of arms are still in the Balkans. And they are easily transported around Europe from there.
Does the EU help our economy?
It probably can’t survive another bail-out. But the EU will protect it to the hilt, otherwise the whole EU project dies. How do you think we’ll trade after Brexit?
sorted quickly. We’re the fifth biggest economy in the world, and we’ll punch up to our weight. Renegotiating our trade deals is not a bad thing. We might be able to connect with our Commonwealth relationships, as well as a lot of other places that the EU doesn’t have deals with.
Are you concerned about the effect immigration has on housing availability?
Yup. There’s a housing shortage, When the UK is such a desirable destination compared to the rest of Europe, there will be pressure on public services.
Are you concerned about the ‘ever-closer union’ of the EU?
part of our plan but I reject that. You’re either in or you’re not.
Do you feel that immigration integration has failed in the UK?
I wouldn’t say so. There have been teething problems, and in a few generations it will improve. On the whole the tolerance of Great Britain bears out.
Do you believe we can control our border and immigration within the EU?
No – as German Chancellor Angela Merkel says again and again, it’s about free movement. Immigration does bring jobs, talent, skills and hard workers but it also takes them away from other areas.
Why do you think the Government is urging people to remain?
I don’t think David Cameron wants to pin his colours to something he thinks will lead to isolation.
Do you think the Government has played with a straight bat?
No. They are introducing fear in the same way that they did with the mayoral election.
What did you think of David Cameron’s EU renegotiation? It was like Neville Chamberlain coming back in 1939. Making claims to sure up his personal reputation rather than acting for the country and putting his ego second.
What do you think of Obama urging people to vote to remain in the EU? It’s tied up with his country’s interest with TTIP [Transatlantic Trade &Investment Partnership]. Without Britain, the deal is less lucrative to the US.
How are your family and friends going to vote? I’m concerned some of them are “Remainiacs”.
Which ‘leaver’ is most convincing? Michael Gove – with him, there is no political element. It’s purely what he believes.
Does anything about leaving the EU worry you? There are risks with any action. Unless there is some unforeseen cataclysmic military consequence, I think it will be OK.
Are you concerned that we might damage the EU by leaving?
Sweden might go; but the consequences would be a victory for democracy.
What is your message to undecided voters? Accountability and transparency should be the guiding lights for any Government. We have neither of those with our government in Brussels.