This Thursday, you will be asked to vote on whether you want the UK to remain part of the European Union.

For months it has been impossible to turn on the TV or read the paper without Europe dominating the agenda.

In my opinion the standard of debate has been poor and, from some quarters, deliberately misleading.

However I have been very clear where I stand on this issue from the start - I believe that it would be in Glasgow’s interests to stay in the EU.

As Leader of the city, I see the benefits of being part of the EU on a daily basis.

Much of the work your Labour council does to encourage business and jobs to the city is underpinned by European funding.

Many of the workers’ rights enjoyed by Glaswegians – paid holidays, equal rights for part-time workers and maternity and paternity leave – are enshrined in European law.

It is also undeniable that the risks associated with Brexit are significant. Uncertainty is bad for any economy, creating difficulties for public services like the NHS and education and threatening the support and rights we currently enjoy.

I’ll be the first to admit that the EU isn’t perfect. But in my view, the positives from continued cooperation with our closest neighbours by far outweigh the negatives.

Glasgow City Council has endorsed membership of the EU with cross-party support. The City Chambers spoke with one voice – it is better for Glasgow and better for the UK to remain part of the European Union.

Just like the 2014 Referendum we have much more that binds us together than that which divides us.

The Brexit proponents have opposed these measures tooth and nail and their most recent wheeze of being the defenders of our NHS are quite laughable.

Streets Ahead is a great event that celebrates those in our city who want it to live up to the idea of the “Dear Green Place.”

Like all major cities, Glasgow has problems with littering. However, events like the Streets Ahead Awards offer recognition to the majority of Glaswegians who take pride in our surroundings and help make our city a safer place to live, work and socialise.

I know the people of Glasgow are very proud of their city and campaigns like Streets Ahead have helped re-ignite a great sense of community spirit. It has had tremendous impact over the years and this year’s campaign will bring even more people together to enhance local communities and tackle the scourge of littering, graffiti and dog fouling.

Well done to all of the nominees and winners, especially Thorntree who are the first primary school to win.

PS I must also make a special mention of the girl band trio of Loxie. I am sure we will see them on the X-Factor very soon. What a performance.

There’s no doubt that Glasgow is a city of music lovers.

Earlier this month I had the chance to see the band Television play at the O2 ABC on Sauchiehall Street, a band I’d last seen perform back in the late 1970s at the legendary Apollo.

There were maybe a few silver hairs on show, but everyone in attendance enjoyed a captivating show.

There’s been plenty of big names performing in recent weeks too with Coldplay, Adele and Bruce Springsteen all seeing Glasgow as a big name stop on their tours.

In addition to the thrill of live performances and its cultural benefits, music is also good for Glasgow and our economy.

More than 500,000 music tourists came to Glasgow over the last year, adding over £100m to our economy and supporting 1,000 jobs in the music business.

So whatever your music taste, I’d encourage you to keep buying tickets, go out and enjoy the music and keep supporting this crucial industry for our city.

We will all have been affected by the shocking news of the death of MP Jo Cox. She was clearly a dedicated public servant and had committed her life to helping those in need. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this dreadful time.