The EU: Do we stay or go? - vote in our survey

With a referendum predicted to be planned for June this year, the Shropshire Star today launches a major survey into your attitudes to Europe and our position within it.

And, with cuts across services and warnings that the economic recovery may be faltering, we also want your views on Britain's economic welfare and your view on our political parties.

The EU/UK Survey will give a snapshot of the views of people in Shropshire and Mid Wales at a time of great uncertainty for all of us.

The last time we carried out a survey was in June last year, after David Cameron won an overall majority and before the Scottish referendum.

Today we are revisiting some issues but also moving our attention to the big vote on Europe.

Our survey will take just a minute to complete and will create a fascinating insight into what you are thinking as we move into 2016.

Mark Pritchard MP - EU vital to security

In recent months, I have come to the view that, on balance, Britain should remain in the European Union for national security and defence reasons.

Firstly, a British exit would end Britain's political and diplomatic counter-balance to France and Germany's strategic clumsiness. An exit would bereft Europe of the elder Anglo-statesman; a country that brings huge international experience, a voice of political reason and diplomatic pragmatism. Abandoning Europe would only advance France and Germany's European grip.

Secondly, Britain's exit could also lead to the weakening of NATO, with Germany and France extending Europe's own defence structures. In itself not a hostile undertaking, but soon, defence complement could be replaced by defence competition, undermining the NATO alliance. This weakening of NATO would be a huge strategic miscalculation by Europe and would embolden NATO's enemies.

Thirdly, a British exit would see the European Union lose Britain's diplomatic advice and counsel. Diplomacy is an integral part of national security. This loss of foreign policy 'effect and leverage' would lead to Europe's responses to international conflicts and humanitarian crises being devoid of Britain's input.

Over the horizon, this new weakness would present unforeseen and new national security challenges to Britain. Britain has a unique place in the world, its diplomatic voice and reach is empowered by three global pillars: the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the European Union. A British exit would put Britain's global leadership at peril.

"I remain a Eurosceptic, but I am a reluctant inner."

Owen Paterson MP - An historic opportunity

He's the man members of the pro-European lobby fear.

Owen Paterson is part of the Tory establishment. A former minister who is passionate about the need to get out of Europe.

His stance epitomises the pre-referendum debate the UK is about to embark on. It will cut across party lines and place political allies against each other.

He said today: "What is being sold by the Prime Minister and the European Commission as a fundamental renegotiation is nothing approaching that and makes it clearer than ever that the safest choice for the British people is to vote to leave the EU at the referendum.

"I want to see the end of the supremacy of EU law and the European Courts.

"I want to see our Government brought back within the control of our own Parliament."

Mr Paterson added: "We have an historic opportunity to take back our sovereignty.

"I hope that the people of North Shropshire will join me in campaigning to leave the EU."