MP and Europe minister David Lidington, whose Aylesbury constituency includes Stokenchurch and Hughenden, writes for the BFP on his strong views over the upcoming EU referendum.

He writes: In the last few weeks, as I’ve chatted to people in my constituency, many have told me that they realise that the EU referendum is important for our country’s future, but feel they lack the information on which to make an informed choice.

I’m not neutral. I strongly support the Prime Minister. I believe that people in Buckinghamshire will be safer, stronger and better off remaining in the European Union than by taking the leap in the dark that leaving means.

Having been with David Cameron in Brussels, I know how hard he had to fight to get the changes now agreed. It’s a good package, and striking to read how newspapers in most of Europe see it as a British negotiating victory for Britain, or to see ardent federalists in the European Parliament angry at reforms that take Europe in a different direction.

After nearly six years as Europe Minister, I know first-hand how frustrating the EU system can be. It’s certainly not perfect –what human institution is? We’ll need more reforms in the years to come.

But I also know that the EU accounts for seven out of our ten top export markets for food and drink; is the main destination for our car exports, and represents a third of the financial services business of the City of London. We need to be at the table making EU rules on trade and business standards, not be like Norway or Switzerland, whose access to the free trade Single Market requires them to obey EU rules without any say on them – and pay into the EU budget and accept free movement as well.

We’re safer in Europe too, through arrangements for police forces to share suspect lists, fingerprint and DNA records The European Arrest Warrant has enabled thousands of serious criminals, including terrorists, to be brought swiftly to justice.

I see no contradiction between Britain being a leader in Europe and us playing an active role globally. Membership of the EU, like that of the UN and the Commonwealth, magnifies our global impact. That’s why our friends: America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries want us to remain in.

There are strong opinions on both sides of the argument. I hope voters will read the literature and look at the websites of the Government and of the rival campaign groups to understand what is at stake.