Posturing and point-scoring could undermine the debate

I see the playground theatre has begun, as far as the referendum on our membership of the EU is concerned.
Crocuses are coming upCrocuses are coming up
Crocuses are coming up

There’s always something a little distasteful about the way politicians seem to need to resort to petty insults and point-scoring.

It just reduces what should be an important and well-reasoned debate to a contest where little boys just try to cock their leg higher, if you take my meaning.

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It’s a disappointing development, not only because these people are old enough to know better, but also because it’s us who ultimately will take the decision about whether to stay or whether to leave.

The EU is a complicated animal and I’m willing to bet the average person on the street isn’t quite up to speed on the intricacies of our membership, including the costs, benefits or otherwise of being able to say we are a part of it.

And it’s the average person on the street who’ll be voting this summer on whether to stay or go.

From what I can see, it might very easily become an argument that’s just about immigration, rather than what it should be about — whether the benefits of our membership of the EU outweigh the costs.

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Meanwhile, in the Palace of Westminster, the arguments centre on whether Boris Johnson is electioneering and whether Jeremy Corbyn should sing the national anthem.

I’m not sure, but I think the Oxford Union would have something to say if its undergraduates resorted to such petty tactics during their debates.

So might it be time for the politicians to pack it in?

It’s not up to the likes of me to tell anyone else how to vote.

I’ve made up my mind, but I would hope to be able to listen to more reasoned arguments from both sides before I go to the ballot box on June 23.

I hope as many people come with me as are able.

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But I fear the posturing and the arguing, the dilution of the real issues and the reasons for and against membership will put many off and will only serve to undermine the reason for holding a referendum on EU membership in the first place.

CHARITIES PLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN US ACCESSING THE BEST CARE

Fantastic to see Southampton General Hospital has been able to buy a new portable CT scanner, which means patients don’t have to be moved to be scanned and their diagnosis can happen far quicker.

The scanner cost £150,000 and represents a considerable achievement by the Percy’s Pals charity, which was set up in memory of Dr Richard Percival, a GP from the city who died of a stroke in 2013.

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The charity now raises money for the hospital and it’s thanks to the fundraising efforts of the entire team that the scanner could be bought.

With the NHS under so much pressure, and with seemingly more being piled upon it every year, these hospital charities play a vital role in ensuring all of us can access the best care if we need it.

FIRST SHOOTS OF SPRING ARE ON THEIR WAY - NOT BEFORE TIME

It looks like the first shoots of spring are on their way — and not before time.

I’ve written before about how I think I’m solar-powered, and it’s at this time of year things start to get desperate and I start daydreaming about getting on a plane and chasing the sun.

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For some people, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a very real problem and it affects them in all areas of their lives during the long winter months.

I can’t say I get it, but I do get a bit dragged down by the cold and the gloom.

So it was nice to see the first crocuses of spring emerge near my office last week; a timely reminder not to despair and that sunshine is on the way. I can’t wait for the nights to draw out, if only to enjoy evening runs without the risk of frostbite!