On Thursday, June 23rd 2016, should I vote for the UK to leave the European Union? Or to remain?
My instinctive answer is that I’ll vote for us to remain, of course. Because, putting politics aside, our country is a peaceful and prosperous place where I’m happy for my children to grow up. Why would I do anything to put that peace and prosperity, and my children’s future, at risk?
But the decision on how to vote in this referendum is too important to make on the basis of instinct. My instinct may be wrong. It may be that our future peace and prosperity is more assured outside the EU than within it. Many people, including some of my own relatives, seem to think that we should leave the EU. So, out of respect for the opinion of others, I’ve decided to do some research to see if my instinct is justified. I’m taking no notice of what any of our politicians are saying. I want to know what independent experts think about the key issues of the economy and security.
Economy
Apparently we have the seventh largest economy in the world. Which sounds pretty good to me, considering that we don’t even feature in this list of the 50 largest countries in the world by area, and that we have the 23rd largest population in the world, according to this list. Being in the EU seems to be working for our economy. But I’m no financial expert.
Unlike Martin Lewis OBE, campaigning journalist and founder of Money Saving Expert. He’s published this excellent, detailed blog post about the possible economic risks and benefits of a vote either way: How to vote in the EU referendum. I’ve read the article carefully, and one part stands out for me. Martin says: ‘A vote for Brexit is unquestionably economically riskier than a vote to remain.’ He also says:
‘If you’re thinking you don’t want to take the risk the economy could go bad, vote IN.’
I definitely don’t want to take that risk – thank you for the advice Martin.
Security
The European Union was set up after the Second World War with the aim of ending the frequent wars which had taken place on our continent for centuries. In this aim it has succeeded, so although my Dad can remember his home being destroyed by German bombs during WWII, my children and I have been lucky enough to grow up in a time of peace. We should not take this peace for granted. But I’m no security expert.
Unlike the group of senior British former military commanders who wrote to The Telegraph recently. Their letter urges us to vote Remain in order to protect our national security. The letter says: ‘Europe today is facing a series of grave security challenges, from instability in the Middle East and the rise of Daesh, to resurgent Russian nationalism and aggression.’ It continues: ‘Britain will have to confront these challenges whether it is inside or outside the EU. But within the EU, we are stronger. Inside it, we can continue to collaborate closely with our European allies…’
So my instinct on the question of security is right – thank you military guys.
Immigration
I’ve not mentioned immigration. That’s because immigration isn’t a factor in my decision on which way to vote. I’m ashamed of the anti-immigration rhetoric which is flying around at the moment, and of its racist tone. I’m irritated by the apparent presumption in the media that we all see immigration as a negative thing. I reckon that most of us are immigrants if you go back far enough. And if we weren’t, if everyone stayed in their own countries for ever, the world would be the poorer for it.
But if you are concerned about immigration, you should check out this well-researched post by Nick Carter-Lando: Immigration and the EU Referendum. Nick studied Politics, Philosophy & Economics at Oxford, and his post looks at the effect of EU immigration on the UK and finds that it’s really not the big problem that some politicians are making it out to be.
Remain or leave?
So, should I vote for the UK to leave the European Union? Or to remain? What’s the best thing to do, for the future of our country and our children?
Having researched the arguments, I’m in no doubt as to the right thing to do. On Thursday 23rd June, 2016, I’m voting for the UK to remain in the EU.
Who’s with me?
Excellent post Gretta. You’ve managed to research and consider both points of view in a straightforward way that I haven’t managed to hear from mainstream media. Thank you!
Jane Batt recently posted…Do I think it’s safe to Travel to Turkey?
You’re welcome – and thank you for your comment.
My daughter would agree with yours Gretta – I think there’s something of a generational divide to some of this too.
Sarah Ebner recently posted…Sherlock in Switzerland: Meiringen and the Reichenbach Falls
Yes, there does seem to be.
Great post Gretta. I’m in. Like you I’ve read a lot including Nick Carter-Lando’s brilliant article. I’m also very angry about the whole issue of ‘immigration’ and the racist undertone the subject is peddling. I’ve been appalled by some of the comments coming from the general public as well as politicians. And cannot understand those who are voting leave over immigration don’t get that immigration will still occur – that half the figures bandied about are for outside the EU and if we were to have trade deals with the rest of the world than we will still need an open door policy. My grandparents and parents are immigrants who are proud to live here… So it certainly winds me up! And the thought of a government made up of Gove, Johnson, Duncan Smith and Farage without any accountability turns my stomach. I’m very nervous about Thursday I must admit…
Me too – these are worrying times.
I’m in! For all of the reasons above.
I want my children to have the same opportunity to study and work in Europe as I’ve had. And the EU has been good for the environment (thank you Boris’s dad!).
Christine recently posted…Our family caving adventure down Gaping Gill, North Yorkshire
I agree – good points Christine.
Great post – I am with you 100%. I wouldn’t say the EU is perfect but few institutions are and I feel it’s far better for us, Europe and the world to stay in. I do worry what future I – and my little girl – will wake up to on Friday.
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Temples and tradition: Two days in Bagan, Burma
As you say, no institution is perfect – we just have to go with what works best overall.
If i had a vote ( but having been out of the country for over 15 years I am no longer elegible) I would definitely vote in. Especially for the younger generations to have the ease and the freedom to study and work in different countries without the bureaucratic hassle I incurred in the eighties . I would also have opted for the ID card to allow travel in the eu without the expense of a passport.
Thanks Jenny – let’s hope that enough people agree with us!
I’m with you, Gretta! I just wish it wasn’t happening. The racism is shocking. I’ve spoken to 16 and 17 year-olds who are very pro-EU. They have all their working lives ahead of them, but they are not entitled to vote. My 11 year-old wrote to David Cameron a few months ago saying that we need to be part of Europe as we are too small to be alone. An official replied that the letter was being forward to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for their attention, but that was the last she heard.
I wish it wasn’t happening too. My daughter is very disappointed that she’s too young to vote – she’ll be 18 this summer, and would definitely be voting Remain.