A WEEK today, people across the country will head to the polls to decide on the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union.

Over the past few months there has been a ferocious debate, some of it accurate, some of it bordering on the ridiculous, but the beauty of this referendum is that ultimately the decision lies with you.

Politicians of all colours, big multinational companies and numerous think-tanks have all had their say – but the future destiny of our country will be quite rightly decided by you.

If you believe in further political integration and a journey to the creation of a European super-state you will vote to remain in the EU and this is a viewpoint, held by some, which I wholly respect.

But if you want a strong United Kingdom with sovereignty back at the heart of our Parliaments and Assemblies rather than in the hands of unelected officials such as Jean-Claude Juncker, who you cannot ‘sack’ at the ballot box, you will vote to leave.

I have been clear from the outset in my intention to leave what I see is a broken and failing political project – I’m not against Europe and I want us to maintain a positive relationship with our neighbours – but I want us to live on the same street as good neighbours with our friends on the continent, not necessarily in the same house.

Ultimately, I believe we should be in control of how we spend our own money on priorities which we can set here in Wales and the UK – rather than continuing on this journey of greater political integration with unelected European commissioners that have little or no accountability to British taxpayers and can choose to fritter away our money on their pet projects.

On June 23 we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take back control of our money and borders and restore sovereignty to our shores, but whichever side you might fall on this debate, make sure you exercise your democratic right and vote next Thursday.

Andrew RT Davies

South Wales Central AM