The EU Referendum - What Children Say

The EU Referendum - What Children Say
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First News gives the children of Britain a voice about the issues that matter most to them.

It's not a new idea. Indeed, children have a right to be heard. The United Nation's convention on the Rights of the Child states: "When adults are making decisions that affect children, children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account."

And Article 17 states that Governments should encourage the media to provide information to children that they can understand.

So First News has been actively engaging children in the EU debate. As Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow said to some of our readers, the EU decision "is going to affect children more than anyone. Not just as much as, or a bit, but more than anyone."

Mr Bercow was speaking at a children's EU debate that First News organised at Parliament for 100 of our two million readers. Since then, many thousands more have been taking part in the First News EU Children's referendum online. Next week, when our polls close a few days ahead of the main event, we will announce the result. Do children want to stay or go?

Here, they have their say:

Wales has a proud farming heritage. Our first minister, Carwyn Jones, warned that farming would "effectively come to an end" if the UK quit the EU because "our farmers depend on over £200m a year of European subsidies and access to the European single market".

Lilly, 11 - REMAIN

Rougemont School, Newport, Wales

We've lost the right to rule ourselves, five more countries that need support will soon be joining the EU, and the amount of money we contribute will have to increase. This is our one chance to make our voices heard.

Let's build an independent UK stronger, bigger and better.

Hannah, 10 - LEAVE

St Paul's RC Primary School, Plymouth

I love all things British. I love the fish and chips, I love the green hills and I do like a good cream tea, but here's the thing: I don't feel British, I feel European. I feel like I'm part of a world, not just part of one country.

I am an international citizen and my responsibility and my enjoyment stretches beyond Britain.

Linus, 9 - REMAIN

Great Malvern Primary School, Worcestershire

if we didn't give so much money to the EU (£8.5 billion) we would have more money to spend helping vulnerable people here. We could spend money on building affordable houses so that everyone can be housed in comfort. This would make British life better for everyone.

Brooke, 11 - LEAVE

Crestwood Park Primary School, West Midlands

Remaining in the EU would benefit us as a nation and leaving would only put a burden on us. Do you not agree that seeking guidance and help has always been a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness? And do you also not agree that arrogantly assuming that 'we know best' leads to narrow and reductive politics?

Amaan, 14 - REMAIN

Watford Grammar School

Let's look at how the EU impacts our laws. Based on a 2010 House of Commons Study by Damian Chalmers, professor of European Union Law at the London School of Economics, around half of UK legislation originates from EU legislation and a further 14-17% is derived from our EU membership. These laws are decided by the European Parliament in Brussels, which has 751 members, only 73 of whom are British.

Nabeha, 14 - LEAVE

Tonbridge Grammar School

Despite EU regulations the UK still has control over its borders and we have the right to check everyone who enters. Being part of the EU also means that UK police have data from 27 different countries. Voting out would lose our access to fingerprints, DNA and names of criminals, including terrorists. A move to leave the EU would be a step into the unknown. We have the power to maintain control within EU regulations. Please do not gamble with our future.

Sam, 10 - REMAIN

North Petherton Primary School, Somerset

There are more EU migrants than ever before in the UK and added to the migrants from countries that are at war, we are overwhelmed. Our schools and health service are already in crisis! Not being allowed to restrict immigration (either short term or long term) is only making the problem worse.

Rafi, 11 - LEAVE

Noam Primary School, London

Check back here next week for the final result of the First News Children's EU Referendum.