PLAID CYMRU MP Jonathan Edwards has issued a stark warning to the Prime Minister of the devastating implications of ramping up risk and anxiety to secure a remain vote in the EU referendum.
Speaking ahead of a Wales Day Debate in the House of Commons on Thursday, (Mar 3), the Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr said that : ” the reckless and divisive rhetoric being used to drum up support for a remain vote may prove a short term success, but that a ‘gaping wound’ will be created when people feel they have been cheated and bullied, ultimately strengthening Euroscepticism. This could lead to a potential second referendum, ”
Jonathan Edwards MP said: “Although I will be voting for Wales to remain part of the EU, the tactics employed by the Prime Minister in my view are extremely dangerous.
“Project Fear 2 and the use of all the assets of State to ramp-up risk and anxiety may prove to be a short term success in securing a remain vote in June – however a gaping wound will be created when people feel they have been cheated and bullied.
“As we’re seeing in Scotland following the independence referendum, from a unionist perspective the battle might be won but ultimately, the war will be lost.
“I’ll be voting to remain as Wales is a net beneficiary of EU support to the tune of £4 b illion up to 2020 when match funding is added. To its credit, the EU has mechanisms at its disposal to redistribute resources and investment to the poorest geographical areas, mechanisms sadly lacking within the UK-a record of shame for unionists.
“In contrast to the EU’s mechanisms, the UK fails to allocate spending based on need and ploughs its infrastructure investment into already vastly more wealthy areas at the expense of those desperately in need of it.
“As an exporter, the Welsh economy benefits hugely from the single market and its 500 – m illion consumers. UK membership of the EU has also played an integral part in driving forward social justice, be it protecting rights from age, sex, race, religious or disability discrimination.
“My support for remaining part of the EU is not unconditional. Successive Westminster Governments have been responsible for the privatisation of our public services and now the EU looks set to secure a framework for them to do it further with plans for TTIP.
“There is a positive case to me made for remaining a member of the EU. If the Government is serious about settling the EU question then it needs to fight a positive campaign and refrain from the divisive and dangerous rhetoric which has so far clouded the debate.”
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