The fight for Britain's future starts now

The election is hardly over and already the starting gun on the EU referendum has sounded. With speculation that the referendum could take place as early as 2016 - in order to avoid a clash with the UK's EU presidency and German and French elections being held the following year - there is no time for navel-gazing.

We need to unite both across the political spectrum and society more broadly, bringing together businesses, trade unions and the voluntary sector to make the case for Britain's continued place in Europe. The Liberal Democrats, despite having endured a particularly bruising election, are determined to play our part.

The forces of fear and grievance triumphed at the general election, as the Conservatives ruthlessly used the threat of the SNP and Scottish nationalism as a way to win over wavering English voters with stunning success. But far from uniting the country, these same forces now threaten to pull Britain out of Europe and with it Scotland out of the UK. The Tories promised voters that by securing a majority they could ensure political stability and protect the economic recovery. The looming EU referendum now threatens both.

Already voices in the Conservative party are demanding that they should be free to campaign to leave the EU whatever renegotiation brings. Meanwhile the business community will hardly be reassured that Sajid Javid, who has claimed leaving the EU would open up new opportunities for the UK, has replaced Vince Cable as Business Secretary. From Philip Hammond to Michael Gove, the new Conservative cabinet is filled with those who have made no secret of their preference for Britain to leave the EU. Whatever changes David Cameron can achieve in negotiations with other EU leaders, large parts of the Conservative party and right-wing press are unlikely to rally behind him.

Against this backdrop, the voice of the Liberal Democrats will be crucial in making the case for why Britain is stronger as part of the EU. In the South East and South West, where despite heavy losses we remain second place to the Tories in many constituencies, it will be down to Liberal Democrats to lead the pro-European fight. That means whoever becomes the next leader of the party will have to make a strong, impassioned case for why our EU membership matters, not only for the economy but for the future of our country and its place in the world. Fear and grievance have won the battle. We must make sure that hope and unity win the war.