EU Referendum: Why it's imperative that Black people vote

As we approach the EU referendum, it is vitally important that all black and minority ethnic peoples ensure that they use their vote, in what will be the single most important decision that they are likely to take in their lifetimes.

To leave this decision to others to decide constitutes a profound abrogation of personal responsibility on a matter, that once decided, effects all us for the rest of our lives.

The decision to stay in or leave the EU affects our children, grandchildren and generations to come. We cannot be idle, ignorant, or dismissive in determining the future for our own childrens’ lives.

We cannot be bystanders simply observing, while others take decisions that will fundamentally affect the quality of life, not only of the 8 million black and minority ethnic peoples in the United Kingdom, but also the 30 million people from BAME backgrounds across the European Union.

Do we have a broader responsibility to the black and minority ethnic voters in Europe? Given the refugee crisis and the extent to which we can see the sad caravan of desperation made up of thousands of refugees from both the Middle East and Africa tramping across Europe seeking their freedom, should we not as black and minority ethnic peoples, compelled by history itself, express a view one way or the other? It is inconceivable that any people with our history could fail to grasp the importance of the question that is now before us.

Frankly we are looking at one of the single most important votes of our entire lives. There can be no greater example of democracy than this EU referendum. You are invited, to place your hands on the steering wheel of this nation and set the course or its direction over the next 50 years.

Critical questions need to be considered such as "will the protection against race discrimination be made stronger by remaining within the European Union, or with British courts and judicial system here in the United Kingdom?"

Does the European Court of Human Rights leave us stronger or weaker? In relation to race discrimination and human rights, does it offer greater or lesser protection to our children? Will our children suffer greater levels of discrimination, racism and economic exclusion inside or outside the European Union?

Questions such as the quality of our environment, the air we breathe. Given that many minority ethnic peoples here in the United Kingdom, live in some of the most deprived areas in the country and suffer from disproportionately high rates of respiratory problems, asthma, and chest infections , can we expect cleaner air quality leaving or staying in the European Union?

In relation to the economy, will there be greater economic prosperity within the European Union or by standing alone here in Britain.

Security is a key concern and the safety of this nation is now in your hands. In facing threats to the future from ISIS, Russia or any number of possible countries and terrorist organisations, are we stronger together or does our island nation offer a safe haven for those facing international terrorism?

Our parents came and fought for colonial Britain in the 2nd world war, even though Britain was then and remains today a racist country. They came and fought because they recognised the bigger enemy was fascism of the Third Reich. The promise of Europe is bathed in the blood of millions and requires that people take the matter of voting in the referendum very seriously.

I have no doubt that whatever you decide you will almost certainly, at some point be asked by younger members of your family, which way you voted in the great EU referendum.

In these and many other important regards, this EU referendum is probably more important than a British general election.

As my Granny used to say when she wanted to get my focused attention “Listen to me and listen to me good” whatever you do, don't waste your vote or be forever condemned as the silent majority, whose love and concern for their children did not extend to securing their futures.

I wouldn't want that on anyone's conscious.

Lee Jasper