TODAY is being hailed as the most important decision of a generation as millions of people in Britain head to polling stations to vote in the EU referendum.
After several months of debate and campagining, voters will finally have their say on whether we should stay in the European Union or become the first member state to break away and go it alone.
Both sides in the debate agree that the outcome of the referendum will shape the nation’s future for decades to come, with many national statistics showing the vote is to too close to call.
In the lead up to today’s vote Basingstoke and Deane Borough councillors on both sides of the argument have been actively campaigning in the town centre at weekends in a bid to give residents the full picture.
At the Basingstoke Market each week, both the Leave and Remain campaigns have held stalls, handing out leaflets with information on how the vote would affect the borough.
Councillors held a debate at the civic offices at the last full council meeting about the impact the vote would have on the borough.
Leave campaigner and Basing and Lychpit ward councillor, Cllr Onnalee Cubitt said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to regain control of our country and made the UK an independent country once more.
“If the outcome of the UK leaving the EU will be so cataclysmic, destructive and dreadful then why did the Government allow there to be a referendum?”
While Labour remain campaigner and leader of the Basingstoke Labour group, Cllr Paul Harvey added: “Basingstoke is a big part of Europe through our jobs and through education and the opportunities it has afforded the young people of this borough, so let’s make the most of being in the European Union and vote to make a difference.”
Yesterday key campaigners in the debate spent the day criss-crossing the UK in a last-minute scrabble for votes, which saw Labour MP for Hove and Portslade, Peter Kyle come to Oakridge as part of his South East tour.
Top politicians urged everyone to take part in the referendum, describing it as a critical moment in the nation’s history.
During his visit to Basingstoke Mr Kyle said: “We have found that people in the South have a very balanced view, but there is a small majority who believe a vote to leave would be a leap of faith, and it is a leap many are unprepared to take.”
The results of today’s vote are not expected to be announced until breakfast time tomorrow morning.
The borough council has reminded residents that polling stations will be open until 10pm this evening.
If you are unsure where your polling station is or would like more information about the vote visit basingstoke.gov.uk/european-referendum-2016.
The results for the South East region will be published on the link below as and when they come in southampton.gov.uk/council-democracy/voting-and-elections/elections-and-referenda/EU-Referendum-2016/rco/default.aspx.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here