I'm very torn on this issue.
On the one hand, I don't accept the push for moving away from the EU for reasons of migration. I personally have enjoyed and benefited from the free movement of EU citizens and have been very grateful for the ease of travel to the continent, to visit friends and see new places.
STAY. All the reputable statistics suggest that immigration overall is a net contributor to our nation, and I don't buy into the current government's ideological crackdown on so-called 'benefit cheats' when you consider that even if the most extreme stats reported are true, they
still only count as a minimal, pitiful amount of financial drain on our nation's resources compared to the amounts we'd save in closing tax loopholes and making sure large organisations and earners pay their fair share. Which clearly isn't the case as the gov't is still happy to offer concessions to their mates in big business, as we've seen over the past few weeks.
STAY.
We're a nation of immigrants. I don't believe Britain is full or current levels of immigration are crippling our country - and indeed the NHS would probably collapse right now if those working for it under EU's principles of free movement and labour were all suddenly withdrawn.
STAY. But the EU and the Eurozone seem inextricably linked, meaning we're financing local collapses of a foreign economy. I think that's ridiculous.
LEAVE.
I was under the impression that while we can't do anything to prevent EU citizens from coming here, the amount of handouts on offer is something that we can control, and it's not the EU's fault that the government hasn't tightened this up. From what I've read recently, however, it seems that some of the rules
are out of the government's hands and they
must offer EU migrants the same benefits (both in and out of work) as UK citizens. This I don't agree with.
LEAVE.
I don't believe for a second that businesses would suddenly exile themselves from our shores were we to leave the EU, much in the same way that I don't believe higher taxes - or indeed rather fairer tax rules, like closing loopholes - would cause a 'talent drain' away from our nation. Talented British people live in Britain because they're British, their families are British, their friends are British, they like British things and pastimes and sport teams, their kids go to British schools, etc. I'm certain wealthy folk might grumble at paying more tax but is it worth radically uprooting your life and heading elsewhere? Not IMO.
LEAVE. But, I'm no business expert, and it does sound like there are considerable trade advantages to being part of the EU that we'd be giving up. If the majority of large businesses are pushing for us to remain within the union, then is there a long-term financial benefit to doing so? Or is this offset by the financial benefits of us therefore not having to pay out the costs that we do for remaining in the EU?
I'm of the opinion that, long-term, the UK would be better served as its own maker of laws, and not be bound by those mandated by the EU, especially when it comes to topics such as the 'rights' of prisoners.
LEAVE. However, the current government is happy to crack down on the personal liberties of its citizens, so I'm more comfortable knowing we're protected by EU legislation in this regard, at least for the forseeable future.
STAY.
I'm originally from a rural farming area, and I know that the industry as a whole is very dependant on EU subsidies.
STAY. However, I'm not sure on the figures, but surely the money we spend on the EU - taking bailouts into account - could be used to help the struggling agricultural industry?
LEAVE. Although I suspect the government, in these 'austere' times, would not do so (
STAY) - but then, the criteria for earning these subsidies are often daft, not suitable for British landscaping, and have actually contributed to the recent floods. If we set our own parameters, we don't have farmers uprooting trees on empty plots that they're claiming for, thus removing natural flood defences.
LEAVE.
So that's... six reasons to stay, six reasons to leave. Damn.
Shameless double post for top of new page.
KK wrote:According to a new Sky News poll the majority of the public wants Cameron to resign if he backs In and loses.
LEAVE