Brexit: There Are No Facts - Only Opinions
Sarah Windrum
Improving lives building a future mobility ecosystem in the Midlands ?? Nachural Business Woman of the Year 2021? Passionate about #MachineLearning #PredictiveAnalytics #Digital #Wellness #AngelInvesting
I certainly don't want to wade into the Brexit debate at this 11th hour and add my voice to the awful argument that has raged so far. The issue with a polarised vote 'In or Out' means that those with a sure stance take it immediately and fight to attack the opposite view and defend their position leaving those not sure confused by 'facts' and angered by rhetoric. I watched the opening of the Henry Fonda film 12 Angry Men yesterday. There are many similarities.
I want to remain. I signed a letter which appeared in The Times on Monday saying that I believe to remain is better for the technology sector. That is my personal view, not the view of Emerald. I turned down the Stronger In campaign earlier this month when they wanted me to talk on why Emerald wanted to stay in Europe. Emerald doesn't. Businesses don't get a vote. Individuals do.
Why do I believe we are better to remain? Because I believe in these three things:
- Support for growth
- Power of collaboration
- Opportunity for all
Support for Growth
Emerald has benefited from European funding to grow our business. Europe is prioritising investment in innovation, technology, and high growth businesses. Would we have got the same money without the EU? I don't know. But I believe the strategy Europe has set to invest in innovation and the Digital Single Market is working.
Power of Collaboration
Whether it's Devolution, West Midlands Combined Authority, or the EU, I believe in the power of collaboration to achieve great things. Is Europe perfect? Of course not. Does it need reform? Absolutely. Do we get that reform by sitting on the outside throwing stones or by sitting at the table working together and collaborating? I'm a joiner ... I like to be part of things. I think that's in our DNA.
Opportunity for All
I have never known a world where we were not part of the EU in some form. I was born in 1980. I have had friends travel, work, and live across Europe. I want that opportunity for my daughter. To experience new cultures, people, places.
Europe is not perfect. Germany doesn't think so. Neither does France, Belgium, or Greece. But if we want support for growth, the power of collaboration, and opportunity for all then I believe we vote to remain.