Mhairi Black urges young people to make their voice heard in the EU referendum

Young people could “hold the balance” in the upcoming referendum on membership of the European Union, according to SNP MP Mhairi Black.

The comments follow an online poll by Opinium, showing that with a higher proportion of young people in favour of remaining in the EU, the demographic could swing the result of the referendum.

In the 18-34 age group, 53 per cent of respondents said they backed staying in, with 29 per cent in support of leave. However only 52 per cent of the group said they were certain to vote.

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Meanwhile David Cameron has appealed to Labour voters, urging them not to make the “national error” of leaving the EU.

Writing in the Daily Mirror, the Prime Minister warned that the “poorest and most vulnerable” would suffer most from a leave vote.

Highlighted perceived economic risks from a vote to leave, Cameron said: “We know all too well who’s hit hardest in a ­recession - the poorest and most vulnerable”.

“We’re fighting for lower prices. It’s widely accepted – even by those who want to leave – that leaving would knock our currency.

“Hurt the pound and you hit people in the pocket because the price of the food we import goes up.”

Blacks said young people would be affected most by the outcome of the referendum.

She said: “Young people could hold the balance over whether the UK stays in, or leaves the EU. They must ensure their voice is heard in the debate, and they vote come polling day on June 23rd.

“In the last few years Scotland has seen higher levels of political engagement than it’s ever seen in its history, thanks to the independence referendum which was hugely engaging, particularly for young people.

“The reason that’s happened is because people have realised that politics isn’t some abstract thing that you have to be a politician to understand – politics is everywhere. It’s the bills you pay, it’s the wages you get, it’s your housing, it’s your education, it’s your job. We need to see this level of engagement right across the UK.”