Remainers, your country needs you. Spread the word, and make a difference | Timothy Garton Ash

The EU referendum is the most important vote in Britain for 40 years. As it approaches, let’s re-embrace democracy as a game in which we are all players

We have just six days to keep Britain in the European Union – and the result will depend on you. Precisely because polls suggest this contest is too close to call, because everyone is sick to death of the claim and counterclaim, and because it’s ultimately a question of personal judgment, the voices of individual friends and neighbours can make all the difference. Politically, the coming week is the most important one in Britain for 40 years, and one of the most pivotal for Europe.

So if you live in Britain, and want us to remain, please talk to everyone you know. Reach out to those you think may be undecided or veering towards leave. Send that email; make the telephone call to your aunt or grandad. Ensure the postal votes go off in time. Volunteer via the Britain Stronger in Europe website. And follow the advice of Sue Vaughan: after herself pounding the streets of Norwich, she wrote to the Guardian this week urging us all to “just get out and speak to 10 people and see how it goes”. That’s what I’ll be doing this Sunday. If 100,000 of us meet the Vaughan target, that will be 1 million people canvassed.

Related: A woman’s place is in the thick of the EU debate | Letters

Related: The EU referendum is a battle of the press versus democracy | Martin Kettle

Continue reading...