The atmosphere in Parliament in these final days before the EU Referendum is like nothing I’ve ever known. The looming vote has created a kind of political static in Westminster. It crackles away in the background, overlaying every debate, every parliamentary question, and every corridor discussion. It has also made for some pretty bizarre scenes, such as the conspicuously friendly chat between Amber Rudd and Boris in the voting lobby. Making up after taking lumps out of each other on TV hours earlier perhaps? I campaigned for the people of Cheltenham to be given a choice on our membership of the EU. I’m proud to have delivered on that pledge. I passionately believe it is for the people, not politicians, to resolve this vital issue. I published my own views on Brexit some weeks ago. On balance I think we should remain. Let me be clear: I am no fan of the EU. If we were not already a member there would be a good argument for not joining. But we are where we are. And it’s the impact of Brexit on our economy which causes me most concern. The overwhelming expert evidence, including from the respected Institute for Fiscal Studies, suggests the economy would take a significant hit – certainly in the short term, and most probably for the next 5-10 years. At a time when our recovery is fragile and our public finances are weak, can we really afford that? We need every last penny generated by a strong economy to pay for our schools, our hospitals, our vulnerable people, and our armed forces. And because we’re still years away from balancing the books, it’s likely that any downturn would be intensely painful. We would feel it here in Cheltenham – in the form of fewer jobs, less investment and less funding for our public services. I don’t want that for my constituents. Here in Cheltenham, I was delighted to attend Tim Peake’s last broadcast from the International Space Station. I also enjoyed (sort of…) being the first to abseil off the top of Eagle Tower in support of the Mayor’s charities, including the excellent St Vincent’s and St George’s Association. Finally, we stand in solidarity with the people of Orlando after the dreadful nightclub shooting. We will fight against the warped doctrines of hate and fear which lie behind these attacks. And we will prevail.