LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne is urging people to stick with the devil they know and vote to remain a member of the EU.

The MP says that any sovereignty issues are more than outweighed by the economic advantages of membership.

He said that a high turn out on June 23 will settle the issue for a generation or more.

“It is, after all, our children and grandchildren who will be most affected by this decision,” said Philip Dunne.

He said there are plenty of opinions but few hard facts but believes that the negotiations led by the Prime Minister did improve the deal.

“Important as the political and constitutional arguments are, in today's inter-connected world, the UK benefits more than it loses from pooling aspects of our sovereignty with other EU states,” added Philip Dunne.

“This applies in standing up to Russia with EU sanctions or sharing information to keep our country safe.

“But key for me are the economic and trade issues. The Treasury has been joined by most independent commentators who suggest the country will be better off remaining within the EU.

“If the UK leaves, we do not know the terms of access to the EU free market. There is little precedent to go on, other than existing trade relationships with non-member countries, and the Leave campaign has not settled on a preferred model.

“Our economy and the jobs that go with it, depend on trading with other nations. The EU is our largest trading partner.”

He accused leave campaigners of missing key points.

“First, the UK accounts for 7% of EU exports, while the EU accounts for 44% of UK exports, so the negotiating advantage is not with the UK,” Philp Dunne said.

“Second, a vote to Leave will be unwelcome in other member states' governments, which are likely to seek tougher conditions for UK access to the EU market in the event of Brexit. France and Germany have said as much.

“Third, countries not in the EU either pay significant contributions to EU budgets (like Norway at 60% of the UK contribution per capita) or accept EU laws and regulations (like Switzerland) with no influence over how they are set.

“Canada has been negotiating a trade agreement for seven years, without securing access for its financial services sector.”