AN MEP is warning Warrington voters that leaving the EU will pose serious risks to the fight against terrorism, sex trafficking and tax evasion.

Labour's Julie Ward is backing the bid to remain in the EU and called on the town to make sure it has its say in the 'once in a generation decision'.

With just one month remaining until the crucial referendum she has highlighted why exactly she believes the UK must stay in the union.

She told the Warrington Guardian: "The EU has always been very good for the regions and here in the north west EU trade and investment is absolutely crucial.

"Many of our large core businesses, as well as the growing small and medium-sized enterprises sector, rely on research and collaboration with EU member states, often through university partnerships.

"Regional development funds continue to pour in to the north west through the European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund to help bring poorer more deprived areas up to an equitable standard as part of cohesion policy.

"It is particularly crucial for young people to vote as it is their future that will be most affected and their prospects will be severely limited if a poor turnout from young people, or another marginalised group, results in a majority vote to leave."

North west MEP Ms Ward also feels it is imperative for the UK to 'have a place at the table' in order to help shape a 'better Europe and consequently a better UK'.

She added: "Being in the EU is about collective confidence and collective responsibility for the ultimate wellbeing of all citizens.

"It is not just about what we can get out of it but also about what we can contribute in terms of ideas and knowledge and social innovation.

"As we have recently seen, the effects of pollution, climate change, global warming and other phenomena, don't stop at borders.

"We can only tackle these and other serious problems such as terrorism, cyber-crime, sex trafficking, fraud and tax evasion, if we work together.

"The people who stand to lose most if we pull out are the most vulnerable and marginalised groups such as children, the disabled, women, LGBTI, ethnic minorities, low paid, unemployed, refugees, asylum seekers and so on.

"It all comes back to equality and the idea of a social Europe with all the protections that have been granted to us by the EU such as paid holidays and maternity rights."

The EU referendum will take place on June 23.