I would rather like to vote UKIP, but I have big problems with their energy policy. We need renewable energy: we could afford more of it if we were not having to subsidise the EU bureaucracy.

I do not like the idea of ever larger constituencies for Westminster. The fewer the number of voters, the more value each vote has. How many voters for each MEP? For that matter, who is my MEP? I don’t seem to have one. There are several who claim to represent my part of the country, but who represents me?

And for that matter, the EU does not seem to recognise England as a country in its own right. Scotland and Wales exist for EU purposes, but are woefully under represented considering their size.

Other countries may want a USE, but I want as much as possible decided as close to me as possible and that means Westminster should be actively moving real power from Brussels to Harrow Civic Centre. It may be that Harrow Council pass the same rules as Brussels, but that is not the point. The point is I see a local councillor every fortnight or so. I have never met the local MP, and see above for MEPs.

On the other hand, life outside the UK will be frostier than anyone can imagine and we can’t understate that too much. The UK is a valuable gateway for the rest of the world into the EU and without that, what’s the point of coming here? The only political reason to talk to us will be because we’ve got a seat on the UN security council. Big deal.

So, the EU badly needs fixing and I don’t want to be any more integrated than we already are. But the alternative is equally unpalatable. I guess I’ll have to see what the next few years turn up.

Of course, if the Eurozone crisis causes the whole structure to go tits up then heading for the exit will look like a smart move. But if it turns around then we’ll look stupid if we’ve already got our coat on and called a taxi.

Interesting times ahead.