St Albans

We need to remind ourselves as a nation and as a continent about the importance of community and sharing what amazing things we have. That includes being part of things bigger than just us, and giving us the opportunity to once again be part of the EU and all the great (and not so great) things that come with it. Freedom to travel, work, bring our beloved pets and settle in places is such an amazing privilege and one that we rely on l with people settling here. There are of course many economic factors as to why being a part of the EU is better than not, but I think the social and cultural value is enormous. Having been 1 year too young to vote to remain in the EU but having been one of the hardest hit generations (typically) I envy the previous generations that have had the opportunities from being a part of the EU, only to pull the ladder up from behind them. We should rejoin. It was ridiculous to leave. We are worse off.

Local resident

9 November 2026

I made a career as an engineer living and working in several different EU countries and I married someone from outside the UK. I think that we should rejoin the EU so that the next generation also has the chance to live and work in 28+ countries. Our club football teams would be much worse if they could only use players born in the local town, county or the country. It is the same in business. If we want to do better, we need to be able to recruit from a wider pool of labour and then sell to a wider group of customers. The EU is a massive trade block and Australia and NZ will never be able to replace Germany, France and the other EU states because they are much closer.

D. V.

9 November 2026

Ahead of the UK-EU summit on 20th November we absolutely need to keep pushing for the UK to rejoin the EU. I voted Remain, as did nearly two-thirds of St Albans. Ten years on, Brexit has delivered none of what was promised. It was sold on claims that never stood up, and we are poorer and more isolated for it. The cost is plain. Our shops pay more to stock European goods. Our pubs and restaurants, the heart of the city's visitor economy, struggle to find staff. Small firms, which St Albans has in abundance, carry the heaviest load of paperwork. For me, it's personal. My god-children live in Portugal, where I plan to retire. I want to visit them, or stay for months, without counting days and filling in forms. Every time I queue for 45 minutes in "other passports" while EU citizens pass through the e-gates in two minutes, I feel angry at what we gave away. Free movement meant European students here, exchanges for young people and musicians touring freely. With two (or more) more years of Trump and the Republicans ahead, we need closer ties with our European allies more than ever.

Paula Valentine

9 November 2026

Leaving the EU has been utterly devastating for the UK. I was both a child and an adult while the UK was a member of the EU. I have experienced the ease of freedom of movement that EU membership brought. I attended university in Europe on the Erasmus programme, and that experience later led me to apply for a job in Europe. It was as easy as getting on and off a plane. No visa, no work permit, no residency application - just starting an exciting life and job in a new country. While I lived there, I met someone special (who had also moved there from another EU country). We later married and settled back in the UK. Without EU membership, I would not have met my husband and I would not have lived the life I have for the past 26 years. My life was enriched because of freedom of movement, and I want the future generations to have that same opportunity open to them. We are stronger together, and better equipped to make positive changes for all EU members. We cannot work together if we walk away.

J. K.

8 November 2026