My name is Keith Tunstall.  I live in Surrey, UK and my email address is

keith-tunstall@tiscali.co.uk.

Why am I doing this?

I am a big supporter of the European Union and greatly concerned that the cause of an integrated Europe has not met with more enthusiasm in Britain.   I think it is in our national interest and, hopefully, in the interest of our continental neighbours that we should engage wholeheartedly in the Union.   I have hitherto contributed to the debate from senior positions in the European Movement but now, having retired, this web-log is the best way I can find to try to give further help.

What am I going to do?

I am going to offer opinions on aspects of the Union. Debating points and facts to counter eurosceptics. I am not uncritical of the Union and this will be clear, but at all times I will be supportive.

Why am I so keen on the EU?

At base it is instinctive. I have a gut feeling that bringing people together to work out answers to common problems and opportunities can be hugely productive. My experiences in a business career have consolidated this belief. Surely the EU itself proves the point. The background of course is an unprecedented 60 years of peace in Western Europe. War between the nations of Europe is said to be unthinkable. It is not. Human nature has not changed. People still vote for charismatic leaders with simple answers. Politicians are still ready to invent and exaggerate threats from outside. The press will go on looking for scapegoats and indulging in witch-hunts. Nationalism and racialism, often masquerading as patriotism, are just below the surface across Europe, threatening its unity.

My feeling for the EU is however not simply that it might buck history and avoid war. It is a big positive vote as well. The opportunities we have in Europe to produce a large home market for business will greatly benefit consumers and efficient businesses. The opportunities we have

to tackle environmental problems are multiplied if we act together. The chances we have to tackle problems and opportunities across the world are enhanced out of all proportion if we pool our resources.