On this edition of my soap box I bring you the political hot potato that is the European Union. For many of us our knowledge on this far away institution that we are half in and half out comes every 1st April with the tabloids having a chuckle at the possibility of the EU banning curved bananas.

However the EU has been making the headlines in the news not over curved fruit but over the issue of UK membership in the EU. David Cameron was faced with his biggest rebellion against his government with over 80 Conservative MPs refusing to follow the party whip.

Arguments put forward in the Commons focused on the cost of the membership and others pushed forward the argument that we as UK citizens should have the right to a referendum over this issue. They argued that never in our life time have we been given an opportunity to make this decision. Ironically however the arguments come from the same people who would argue against having a referendum on Scottish independence.

To the relief of many pro EU supporters the proposal did not receive enough support to get to the next stage of the parliamentary process. However it is clear that even if their were to be a referendum it would most likely deliver a non to the EU as public opinion is staunchly opposed to the institution.

Looking at the broader picture here, it is clear that we need to be more pro active in arguing the case for the EU. It has delivered massive economic benefits for us here in Scotland with EU money being spent on local and national projects. It allows us to work, be educated and receive health care across all member states. The UK now does over 50% of its trade with the EU and is reliant on fellow member states for exporting and importing goods.

It is clear that there is a problem within our democracy and that is the issue of ignorance. We must not allow ourselves to become spoon fed our opinions by the tabloid press. Simply because we do not understand something or are unsure about it we should not just assume that this is a bad thing. A recent example of this was the failed AV referendum, the majority of those against the change was because they did not understand what they were actually being asked.

We cannot slowly let our society become a place where ignorance is an excuse for actively participating. The government already has plans to scarp the Human Rights Act and public opinion supports primarily because they do not understand the benefits of it and how it protects us all.

The European Union is not perfect and does have many flaws but it has delivered many economic and social benefits for all European citizens. So the next time you see a story saying that the EU is planning on banning Irn Bru or Scotch pies, make sure you get the full picture and are not simply spoon fed the opinions of right wing journalists.