Do we really want to leave the EU? Over this crisis?

News in the Mail on Sunday that 51% of us would now vote to leave the EU is more than disappointing to those of us who believe the UK is, on balance, probably better off within it as it currently stands. It is downright worrying.

But what really concerns me is the implication that this change of opinion is apparently due to concerns over the refugee crisis, which is currently making some politicians look like rabbits staring into the headlights of an oncoming leviathan. (OK, I know the leviathan was a mythical sea creature, but you probably get my drift.)

Worries about an influx of economic migrants might be understandable, although many of us will be aware of the massive benefits the UK has almost always gained from accepting people of this nature (well, maybe not the Vikings, but look at what the Romans did for us…). More importantly we, as a nation, seem to be turning our backs on those in real need, such as those who are refugees from conflict in Syria and Iraq.

Surely such people must be given special status - as they are by the United Nations - and protected accordingly, not treated as if they were individuals and families who simply want a better life and are prepared to 'sponge' off hard working Europeans. Nobody in their right minds would voluntarily put themselves into the position of relying on people traffickers a travel hundreds, even thousands, of miles for the fun of it.

Their need is real and so must our response be.

In line with my habit of accepting what political opponents say when I think they are right, I have to admit there is a degree of sense in David Cameron's view that we should try to help people as close to the homes from which they are displaced as possible. It is equally true, however, that we must take our share of responsibility for those already in Europe or on their way here and not hide behind the fact we are not part of the Schengen Area. Spending some of our overseas aid budget to help settle and support refugees within our borders is a good idea. Well done to Nicola Sturgeon (another politician I usually disagree with) for saying Scotland will take its share (and put up some of its money, I wonder?).

The liberal society I want to be a member of is one that thinks about individuals, rather than doctrine. (It is also one that does not engage in 'knee jerk' reactions which conflate issue such as the EU with completely separate matters, just because UK is driving the news agenda.)

If people need help, we must give it - albeit in such a way that does not risk the integrity of our own borders. The risk of allowing in a few terrorists is, of course, ever present when we open our doors. But perhaps we can prove to those who would seek to destroy our way of life; that we are not against Muslim, or any other race or religion, for that matter. We are for living together in peace and harmony.

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Stephen Phillips is a member of the Shepway Liberal Democrats, and his views are not necessarily those of the Party. He has been writing professionally for many years on investment and economic related issues, and has focussed recently on creative writing.

You can find Stephen online at www.phillips-writer.co.uk