Would the UK be better or worst off, if we pulled out of the EU?

Question

and should we be allowed a vote on this matter?

Answer 1

Much better off, financially. After a little diplomatic cold war, we probably would be stronger internationally too.

We shouldn't need a referendum, we should vote for a party that will do what we want them to without running to us every 5 minutes to check that something is popular.

Answer 2

Far worse. For all those who are saying we would be better off outside, how do you propose replacing the trade, external investment and subsidies? How could we possibly be better off outside the world's largest economic trade bloc? When the economic growth figures far outstrip any other country, even more than the US? As Bill Clinton said himself recently , "the 20th Century was American, but this one will be Europe's".

What there needs to be is a far greater understanding of how the EU system actually works. Britain is a far different place, economically, socially and politically to how it was in the 1970s when our GDP lagged well behind other countries.

And please...the EU has nothing to do with Human Rights legislation! This resulted from a Convention that we signed way back in 1951, which the government decided to finally implement in domestic law.

Answer 3

We should be allowed a vote regarding the continued headlong rush towards a United States of Europe, which I am convinced the majority do not want.

Europe as a trading block is fine, but the over regulated, nannying self serving political superstate is not what we joined.

We need to keep control of our own laws, own defence, own borders and own political structure.

Cantcu - I dont understand the reference to "constituional monarchy". What has that got to do with a vote on Europe?

The Monarch has no authority in this matter at all as we have an elected governement.

Answer 4

The UK would be better off, assuming that a trade treaty were made with the EU to insure that imports and exports would continue as they are now. I think this would be easy to arrange - it would put the UK in a position similar to those of Norway and Switzerland - benefitting from the one good thing the EU does, while avoiding all the mindless bureaucracy and waste that goes on in Brussels.

Answer 5

The U.K. has spent its entire history resisting being conquered and dominated by Europe. They always lost militarily but have now succeeded by other means. The fifth column has been the politicians of all three parties. We have been sold out are are now run by europeans and colonised by whores pimps and comic singers from all over the world. How do we get rid of the lot and get the country back to what it was? .I know what it was like as I am an octogenarian and this is not the country we were told we were fighting for during the war years.

Answer 6

The UK would be in a very bad state of affairs if it left the EU. Most exports go to the EU, most imports come from the EU. Politically it would be mass suicide since the UK needs the EU to have a strong voice on the world stage. It is no longer the empire it once was.

The UK should have a vote just so a proper debate can be made instead of constant shouting from Veritas, BNP and the likes of the Mail and Sun and nobody defending the benefits of the EU.

Oh and the Human Rights Act comes from the Council of Europe, not the EU. The Council of Europe is the authoritative body on Human Rights in Europe and is older and has more members than the EU. Leaving that institution would put you in the same company as Belarus, the only non-member from Europe. The US, Canada, Japan and Mexico have observers at the organisation. So rebuking the Human Rights Act would be tantamount to leaving the organisation and that would be bad for all concerned.

The answerer's two below me suggestion makes no sense, considering one of the main points is that the UK government has little say in what regulations are passed. If the UK negotiated a similar status to Norway, they would have to accept EU regulation on products and work standards and have no representation in the process in the EU Parliament, Commission or Council.

Afallon, you could at least have used my full username, i have no problem with you having a referendum, we are having one in Ireland, I believe in democracy and prefer to engage with the EU instead of running away from a debate on how it should proceed. I believe the Commission should be elected and the EU parliament have more say in what the EU already has power over. I do not believe in a European Federation as national sovereignty is very important to all countries and it would never happen.

Answer 7

Criminals would certainly be worse off if we pulled out. We'd be able to deport any foreigners who come over here and commit crimes, and they'd have no right to claim immunity from deportation under the ridiculously-named Human Rights Act.
And yes, we should be allowed a vote. The fact that the outcome is more or less a foregone conclusion is of no consequence, and is no excuse for us to be denied the opportunity.

Answer 8

Better off by a long way. Look at what Brussels is forcing us to do. They(Europe/EU..same difference in the end) have forced this 'human rights' act on us, which means that criminals have more 'rights' than their victims. They challenge any decision our judges make and sometimes overturn them.
Of course we should have a referendum on this but have you noticed that those against the proposed EU constitution (like me) want a referendum because we know we will win, while the federalists (like eorpach agus..) are against one because they know they will lose?

Answer 9

Better off and allowed to vote

Answer 10

Better off OUT! The European Union no longer allows the Government or Parliament of the United Kingdom to take decisions or implement policies in the interests of the UK and its people. Our identity, culture and way of life are being irreparably damaged as a result of decisions being taken by a remote, bureaucratic and unelected Commission in Brussels whose accounts have not been audited for over 11 years. Enough is enough we're better off out...