Today’s crucial EU referendum in Britain will determine what type of country the UK wants to be. Voters will decide on an issue of huge importance and with profound consequences for Britain, Europe and the world.

The debate during the referendum campaign was fierce and intense. Some populist rhetoric used by elements within the Leave campaign has indeed been regrettable. The arguments made by the Remain side were solid and concentrated on three main areas: economic security, security and Britain’s influence in Europe and on the world stage.

The Leave side has used mainly emotional arguments to support their campaign, playing on people’s fears about migration, giving incorrect information on the UK’s contribution to the EU budget and trying to stir up a nostalgic feeling of a Britain that no longer exists.

There is no doubt that Britain’s EU membership has led to economic growth, job creation and lower prices for consumers. A Brexit would put all this at risk and lead to uncertainty, job losses and a recession, a point stressed by the overwhelming majority of UK economists and businesses as well as the experts at the IMF, OCED and the Treasury. The Brexit campaigners have failed to offer a viable economic alternative to Britain’s membership of the Single Market.

There are many other benefits of EU membership for Britain such as greater rights for workers, the right to live, work and study abroad, funding for the arts, science and the regions and environmental protection. It is not surprising, therefore, that trade unions, universities, scientists, the medical profession, environmentalists and artists have all come out in favour of the UK remaining in the EU.

EU membership has also allowed the UK to share intelligence with fellow member states and to cooperate in security matters. The European arrest warrant is a prime example of how EU cooperation has led to positive results in the fight against crime and terrorism.

A decision to leave the EU would lead to a more insular inward-looking Britain. The UK is greatly respected in the world, the Commonwealth and within the EU precisely because it is a leader in Europe and it helps shape the EU’s agenda for the better.

The United States and countries like India, Canada and Australia look to Britain as their natural link to Europe. A Brexit would make the so-called ‘special relationship’ with the US meaningless and the UK’s relevance to its major Commonwealth partners would be greatly diminished.

A united Europe is so much stronger when dealing with crucial global issues such as jihadist terrorism, an assertive Russia, climate change and migration. A Brexit, of course, would be very bad for Europe as it would lose the world’s fifth largest economy, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a nuclear power. The EU would also likely go through an institutional crisis and Europe’s anti-EU nationalist movements would be strengthened by a UK departure.

A period of uncertainty in Europe would follow, just when it needs to be focusing on important issues like Syria and the migration crisis. Malta would lose one of its best friends in the EU, with whom it shares many common interests. A Brexit is simply not worth the risk.