Heph wrote:
I never noticed any personal changes to my life style following the UK's entry into the Common Market, other than by VAT replacing Purchase Tax I reckon that a Brexit would would be similar for the average person.
One of the many risk with referenda is the average person votes according to how they perceive the subject directly affects them personally.
The government who support staying in the EU hopes to reach public opinion and broaden out that limited knowledge into something more enlightening. I think that is an uphill challenge largely doomed to fail. In fact so far the government campaign has been sadly lacking focus and content.
The average voter has tunnel vision. Unsurprisingly they are only concerned with their daily worries and what they see around them.
The EU question is so much more important both to the country and the individual. I thought I would annoy the ‘out’ group by listing some of the benefits of being in the EU for Britain.
Access to a $16.6 trillion a year Single Market of 500m people is a key benefit.
The EU has helped open global markets to UK firms on strong terms.
Membership has increased flows of investment into the UK.
Free movement of labour has brought real benefits to the UK economy
The UK’s net budgetary contribution is a small net cost relative to the benefits.
Rights of residence and employment for member citizens anywhere in EU member states.
Reciprocal healthcare rights in any member state.
Taxation agreements to avoid double taxation on individuals.
No border controls between Schengen member states.
Equal citizenship status in all member states.
In the interests of balance I also list some of the disadvantages of EU Membership to UK:
Cost. Inefficient policies. Problems of the Euro. Pressure towards austerity. Net Migration. More bureaucracy less democracy.
Many of these disadvantages are subjective. Too many people they could be seen as advantages looked at from another view point. For example austerity (living within your means) is desirable.
On either side of the debate none of these listed options are thought by the individual as likely affecting their daily lives. However in reality they do and will impact everyone’s lives both now and in the future.