IT required three coaches to transport Salisbury Europhiles to join the London March in favour of another People's Vote on Saturday last. The key arguments in the debate between Brexit and Remain have been rehearsed to the point of exhaustion. It is now time for the distinctively local arguments for Salisbury to be made. First, Sarum itself was originally a Euro project. William the Conqueror, a European from Normandy, invaded us, took our land and compelled his mother's half-brother, Bishop Osmund, to build a cathedral at Sarum on the hill. Like it or not, our very existence as a city was the direct consequence of intervention from across the Channel.
In the following years we came to rely upon and benefit from overseas trade, particularly commerce in wool and cloth with our European neighbours. In modern times our internationalism is rooted increasingly in science and technology. Our NHS hospital at Odstock is linked with genetic research across and beyond our national borders. Our internationally important science at Porton Down, and our aero-engineering at nearby Boscombe Down takes place in a European and wider setting.
Beyond our personal feelings, as citizens we need to be aware and informed of the strategic interests of our fellow citizens across the range of our city's growing range of opportunities and commitments. Salisbury's global footprint should be a source of civic pride.
John Potter
Salisbury
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