I think we are #BetterIn
and I have made this decision despite the lies and half-truths that both sides
have spread. As those who have read by
blog before know, I am not a huge fan of the EU. I think that it needs
less powers, not more, and when put to the
vote, this is a view that has been present across Europe. While not
all agree with this, loads do and ideally, it would be great if all nations in
the EU were offered more say in more or less EU integration. Here are some of the reasons for my decision
on this.
1: We will still have to pay into the EU or follow its laws - Of the nations of Western Europe, there are two who are out of the EU and do well. Norway and Switzerland. Norway has oil, and lots of it. Switzerland has its financial sector. Yes, they make chocolates, drugs and watches but it is a major banking sector. But both pay into the EU, and neither have a say in how the money is spent.
2: Manufacturing - In the UK, we have falling supplies of oil and gas, our manufacturing sector is getting smaller and while Britain is great, our ability to export may not be enough to compete against China and other BRICS nations. We are still making things, but we export a lot to Europe. Cars for example are produced in the UK, but I can not see Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and the many companies that make cars in the UK staying if we have to pay import duties into the EU. And while Germany, with the interest they have in our car industry will want us in the EEC, I can not see France with Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, or Italy with Fiat and Alfa Romeo wanting us to export cars to compete with them. And for those who doubt this, remember the ban that France had against our beef even when the EU told them not to ban it.
1: We will still have to pay into the EU or follow its laws - Of the nations of Western Europe, there are two who are out of the EU and do well. Norway and Switzerland. Norway has oil, and lots of it. Switzerland has its financial sector. Yes, they make chocolates, drugs and watches but it is a major banking sector. But both pay into the EU, and neither have a say in how the money is spent.
2: Manufacturing - In the UK, we have falling supplies of oil and gas, our manufacturing sector is getting smaller and while Britain is great, our ability to export may not be enough to compete against China and other BRICS nations. We are still making things, but we export a lot to Europe. Cars for example are produced in the UK, but I can not see Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and the many companies that make cars in the UK staying if we have to pay import duties into the EU. And while Germany, with the interest they have in our car industry will want us in the EEC, I can not see France with Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, or Italy with Fiat and Alfa Romeo wanting us to export cars to compete with them. And for those who doubt this, remember the ban that France had against our beef even when the EU told them not to ban it.
3: Scotland - If we vote for Brexit, then many in Scotland will
want another vote to leave the UK. And
if Scotland leaves, then we risk Wales leaving as well.
4: Unelected bureaucrats - While there are many who complain that the European Commission is unelected, they forget that the commission only proposes laws, and the elected parliament votes to say if they feel they are to be followed or not. However, in the UK, we have the house of Lords, who are unelected and they have the power to block the elected members in The House of Commons.
5: Benefits - There is a claim that immigrants from the EU are coming to steal our benefits (and at the same time steal our jobs). But as far as I am concerned, most of the EU migrants I have seen are working. I have come across a few that are not, but they are few and far between. In addition to this, EU migrants will have benefits restricted in the future.
6: Crime - Yes, there are criminals from the EU who live in the UK, but we export crime as well. I am old enough to remember the term Costa Del Crime unlike many. I want criminals brought to justice rather than being able to live abroad rather than be rehabilitated in jail.
7: Turkey - The EU is probably to agree to visa-free travel for Turkish citizens inside Europe's passport-free Schengen area, but the UK is outside this so the swarms of Turks promised by the right are not going to come. As for Turkey joining the EU, last year, there was a report damming the human rights record of Turkey last year, and things have got worse since. Unless human rights improve there, I do not see Turkey becoming part of the EU.
8: Red Tape - Yes, red tape is hindering business. Examples of red tape include the working time directive and other things that protects the rights of workers. So yes, leaving the EU would allow red tape to be cut and allow workers rights to be removed.
9: Immigration - It is a concern for many, but leaving the EU will not end immigration. It will still happen, and we will not be sending immigrants home. But bringing in border controls means that we will face border controls when visiting Europe. Remember all those queues at airports for those who are not EU nationals? Well if we impose border controls, that is what we will face. And this will affect those who work abroad, and affect how competitive our various industries will be as competition in Europe will find it easier to attract the best people.
10: America - Not only did the US vote in Bush the second, they did it twice. And at the time of making this post, Trump is ahead in the polls to be president. I would rather be closer to Europe than the USA (though I would prefer to be close to both) because of this.
Anyway, what ever way you decide to vote, just remember to vote.