BRITAIN is involved in a deep and important conversation with itself about its role in Europe and by definition the world. That is no bad thing.

The vote we are all about to take next month is far more important even than a General Election. No-one should duck it.

It will have an impact on us for generations to come. This is why it is doubly important that the young vote. It is arguably that many older people will not see the full ramifications of a Brexit vote in their lifetime. Their grandchildren certainly will and that is why they should have a say and why it is worrying that there are still significant numbers unregistered to do so.

In truth David Cameron was forced into holding this vote by the right of his party and fear of losing votes to UKIP at last year’s election.

But now we are having it the debate about Britain’s role and the way it is forcing even the most reluctant of us to re-examine our country’s history is a positive and educational project.

The vote should not be about knee-jerk issues. The Brexiters' seemingly sole obsession with immigration is simply not a good enough reason to vote to leave. But nor are fear-inducing stories about the collapse of our house prices a good enough reason to tick stay.

The vote should be on facts of course, the value of a united Europe and the rest of it. But it will also come down to how we feel about Europe and our history with the continent too.

The Argus seeks to play its small part by covering the debate as fair-mindedly as possible and giving opinion a platform. Our debate with a top-flight table of speakers on June 8 (details on page 7 today) will also help make up minds. We urge as many readers as possible to come along and join in.