LETTER: Honourable act of humility and generosity

Against the regrettable backdrop of an increasingly acrimonious campaign about the EU referendum, I came across an amazing act of humility and generosity from one of our voters in Mid Sussex.
Your lettersYour letters
Your letters

A couple of weeks ago, whilst campaigning in Burgess Hill, I engaged in a friendly but robust debate with an elderly gentleman. We both had opposing views, he for Leave and I for Remain. However, we found common cause on one issue; votes for young people over the age of 16. We both agreed that it made no sense for English people, between the ages of 16 and 18, to be given no vote in something so crucial to their future as Britain’s relationship with Europe, whilst their Scottish cousins are being allowed to vote on the self-same issue.

We both agreed, that measured in the years of their life ahead of them, the views of 16 to 18 year olds are far more important that our own, older generation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was at this point that my debating opponent made a most gracious promise. He said, “I an Outer through and through but whilst you will never persuade me to stay in the EU, I have spoken at length to my 17 year-old grandson on this issue. He tells me he would vote to Remain so, as this referendum is more about his future than mine, I’m giving him my vote and will vote the way he wants me to.”

I could not but be impressed by the man’s generosity to his grandson.

Richard Cherry

Junction Road, Burgess Hill

__

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midsussextimes.co.uk

3) Follow us on Twitter @midsussex_times

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Mid Sussex Times - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.