Sheffielders share their stance on Brexit or Bremain

The European Union flag and national flags in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The build-up to the EU referendum has been a closely contested battle, with the in and out campaigns remaining close.

The Star took to the streets in Sheffield city centre to find out how our local community will be voting.

Vox pop on the EU referendum vote in Sheffield. Pictured is Jane Vahvey.

Helen Moss, aged 74, of Millhouses, Sheffield, wants us to remain in Europe and said: “I think sterling will fall in value if we leave. I know there are lots of problems and issues at the moment within the EU but I would rather stay in the EU and reform within it, as there are lots of uncertainties in leaving.”

Catherine Tunney, 35, of Ecclesall, is also in favour of the remain campaign and said: “I think the benefits of being part of the EU far outweigh any negatives.

“Also, in terms of the multicultural benefits, what people from different countries and communities bring to the city is very positive.”

She also claimed that leaving the EU would not help the migration issue. “I think people have got a very misguided idea as to how immigration works really and how we would be affected if we leave the EU.”

Vox pop on the EU referendum vote in Sheffield. Pictured is John Bramall.

John Bramall, 77, of Worksop, said he changed his mind from remaining to leaving after reading persuasive arguments in the press.

He said: “I think a lot of people have changed their minds and will vote to leave.

“I always thought we would be better within the EU – stronger together – but now I’m not so sure.”

Mark Cameron, 29, of Bramall Lane, supports the leave campaign and said: “I think we should leave, as I think we will get a lot stronger economically. The NHS will be less stressed, regardless of what Labour is trying to say.”

Vox pop on the EU referendum vote in Sheffield. Pictured is Catherine Tunney.

Giovanni Petrucci, 23, of Walkley, is a remain supporter, claiming there could be a break-up of the UK if we leave. He said: “I think the first impact could be that Scotland will become independent, as Scotland wants to stay in the EU.

“The last referendum in Scotland was a close one. Also, the price of goods will increase generally, as the UK will no longer enjoy the freedom of trade and movement. All the imported products from other EU states will have to be taxed, like other countries in Asia or America.”

However, Josh also said he was worried about the possibility of the NHS struggling if people vote to leave, which he said would be a ‘massive tragedy.’

Jane Vahvey, 53, of Crystal Peaks, is in favour of leaving the EU, saying: “Apart from immigration, I’m concerned about sending money abroad all the time. We are giving money to them when we are paying tax.

Vox pop on the EU referendum vote in Sheffield. Pictured is Mark Cameron.

“We should not give money to anybody else while we are struggling as well. We are all working hard and all paying tax, so I don’t agree with sending large amounts of money abroad. That is the basic thing I’m angry about.

“Also, foreign people come to work, earn our money and send it back home to their family – where they can buy cheaper houses. Meanwhile, houses here are too expensive for our children to buy.”

She said she was ‘just trying to think about what’s positive for us’.

A poll of 132 Sheffield businesses by the city centre BID team revealed 69 per cent of businesses in the area are voting to remain in the EU, while 12 per cent will vote to leave.