The EU elections matter to everyone; this is even more relevant for young people who will face the consequences first hand. It is important to vote because future relationship with the EU is determined by this referendum. The EU allows British citizens to travel to Europe for work and visa free travel on holidays.
Moreover, the referendum will determine how the UK defines itself in the world as part of a greater European community, or rather, a sole state that can carve out a more beneficial partnership without the bureaucracy imposed by the EU.
‘Britain stronger in Europe’ argue that remaining in the EU is essential to protect British interests by ensuring a ‘better community, better leadership and security.’
• 3 million jobs are at risk because they are linked to the trade with the EU
• The UK receives £66 million investments from other EU countries every day
• The EU is large organization that has more clout in international politics decision making, by leaving the UK could become less influential
• The EU remains essential in protecting the security of the UK from crimes such as terrorism, Russia’s greater hostility and other crime across borders. Highlighting intelligence sharing and European Arrest Warrant that allows criminal to return to country where the crime was committed face criminal preceding
On the other hand the ‘Vote Leave’ campaign insists that the UK will remain more powerful outside Europe as an EU membership cost £300 million a year for British taxpayers. Moreover, a better model is represented by the free trade agreements of Sweden and Norway without being part of the EU.
• Trade will continue as EU trades more with the UK, therefore in 2014 trade deficit of over £50bn. The Lisbon Treaty states a trade agreement must be made with a country which leaves the EU
• Britain will be economically powerful outside EU as the EU’s share of world GDP remain in decline, 22% in 2025. Apart from this the UK’s biggest trading partner is outside the EU is the US
• Britain will not lose foreign direct investments, due to investments outside the EU
• Britain will remain a significant power within the world by its membership of other organization such as G20 and the G8 which concerns the biggest economies in the world, along with being permanent member of the UN Security council.
Both sides insist they have the support of the business community and the other side is scaremongering to garner more support. In reality, these figures continue to be disputed by economists, the opposing side and journalists. However, one fact remains that this referendum whether we decide to remain or leave will have ramifications for years to come.
