Nicholas Belfitt Vice-chair campaigning in Ryde

EU referendum: Isle of Wight Lib Dems launch ‘IN’ campaign

This in from the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats. Ed


The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats today (Tuesday) announced their local launch to keep Britain in the European Union.

With the date set for the EU elections on 23rd June, the Isle of Wight Lib Dems look to spearhead the arguments to keep Britain and the Island in the European Union. This has come shortly after the national party last week launched its campaign #Intogether as part of its commitment to keep Britain in the EU.

Robert Packham Chair of the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats says:

“The Isle of Wight Lib Dems have been supporting a pro-EU message since the Liberal Democrats democratically adopted the policy at our conference last summer.

“We have always been a party that has supported cooperation and unity and we want to protect Britain’s place in the European Union. We have to make sure our campaign is a positive one, one that informs, but shows the benefits of the Island remaining in the EU. We are the party that wants to stay In, In Britain, In Europe.”

A Message of Hope
The campaign is set to come alive in the coming weeks and the Isle of Wight Lib Dems will be arguing how the EU is and could be directly helping to provide development on the Island.

A majority of Island businesses have already shown they are ready to support staying in the EU and the Isle of Wight Lib Dems are hoping more companies and groups who are pro-EU will rally around the campaign.

The Liberal Democrats are aiming to focus on a message of hope for the Island to push for benefits and aim to provide a message about the opportunities gained by being part of the EU.

Call on First Time Voters
The Isle of Wight Lib Dems also call on all sides of the campaign to make sure that the Island’s first-time voters and young people vote in the upcoming referendum.

Nick Belfitt, Head of the Isle of Wight Liberal Youth added:

“It’s a huge issue and one that will affect a lot of people on the Island. We have to be working with everyone and making sure everyone has access to the correct factual information.

“We also have to make sure that as many potential first-time voters will get their say. For younger people, the decision the country makes will affect their futures, and we have to ensure that whatever they decide they are attending the ballot box.”

Members of the Isle of Wight Lib Dem were in Ryde last week discussing the EU issue with people in the community.