This from Ian Brown on behalf of the Grassroots Out Campaign. Ed
Following the announcement this week that the EU Referendum will take place on 23rd June, a local campaign group seeking to leave the EU, has issued an invitation to Islanders to get involved in the organisation of activities on the Island.
Grassroots Out (GO) Campaign
A small group, including supporters of the local Conservative Association, UK Independence Party (UKIP) and Labour Party has held discussions about how to work together.
Members of the group were invited to an initial meeting by the Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner.
Chairman elected
They have now met twice and last week elected Ryde businessman, Ian Brown as chairman and spokesman for the group, which is working with the national cross-party Grassroots Out (GO) Campaign.
Mr Brown said,
“The UK sends £350million every week to Brussels which we should be spending in this country for the benefit of our own people. The safest way to ensure that Britain remains in every sense a self-governing democracy is to leave the bureaucratic and increasingly federalist EU, and regain control of our own affairs. Every one of us now has the opportunity to have our voices heard on June 23rd.
“I have never been a member of any political party, but I have accepted the challenge of chairing this new group. We have held two very constructive meetings and are now reaching out to Islanders who share our views about our membership of the EU. We will be working with people of all political persuasions, and those with no party allegiance for a Leave vote on the Island. I would ask anyone who wants to get involved to please get in touch.”
A united effort needed
Mr Turner welcomed the plans to widen involvement in the group,
“I am very grateful to Ian for agreeing to act as chairman. Although I set up the initial meeting, it is important for the future unity of the group that it is not identified with any single political party. I know there are euro-sceptic Islanders out there who usually support pro-EU parties such as the Greens and Liberal Democrats; I have met them on doorsteps over the years.
“It would be great if they could also be involved in this campaign. This is the biggest decision the people of our country have faced for a generation – getting our message across will need a united effort, and I am very much looking forward to being involved in that.”
IW “an important battleground”
National Campaign Director of the GO movement, Richard Murphy added,
“All across the country people are coming together to work on a cross-party basis to mobilise the Leave Vote, I’m delighted the Isle of Wight is involved. As the largest constituency in the UK, the Isle of Wight will be an important battleground and I am looking forward to visiting the Island over the next few weeks and meeting campaigners myself.
“This is a grassroots movement, set up for ordinary voters who love their country and want it to be free and independent, don’t miss the opportunity to play your part.”
Image: hummyhummy under CC BY 2.0
