Thank you for taking the time to share your views with me about the historic question of whether the United Kingdom should remain a member of the European Union.

The most important thing for me is that the British people have their say on Europe. That’s why I campaigned for a referendum, that’s why I voted for a referendum in Parliament and that’s why I’m so pleased that the British people will finally get their say.

On most other issues, I am sent by you to Westminster to vote on decisions on your behalf. However on this issue, you will get to vote individually. My vote is only one of tens of thousands that will be cast in Hertsmere, and one of tens of millions that will be cast across the United Kingdom on 23rd June 2016. You get to personally decide on this vital question- my vote and my decision will have no more or less impact than yours.

I know that this is a very difficult and complex decision about what is in the best interests of our country that we love. This inevitably involves both the heart and the head. As your Member of Parliament, I therefore see my primary duty as facilitating people in making this decision by furnishing them with all the facts that are available. That’s why I will be organising a debate in Hertsmere so that we can hear arguments both for and against our continued membership of the European Union. I will let you know details of the event closer to the time.

I know that this will be a difficult decision for many people and that everyone will be driven by what is in the best interests of the United Kingdom. I completely respect both sides of the argument and have great sympathy for many of the points being made. Personally, I remain deeply sceptical about the EU. I have, though, reluctantly accepted the Prime Minister’s argument that we should remain at this stage. And now the choice is yours.

It is vital that whatever the outcome, we respect the will of the British people on 23 June. As your Member of Parliament, I will do everything I can to further the interests of our country, whatever you decide.

Yours sincerely,

Oliver Dowden

Oliver Dowden CBE MP

Member of Parliament for Hertsmere