Why Britain joined EU?

cogito

bristol_pilot wrote: »

One of the fundamental aims of the EU was to so intertwine the economies of Western Europe that a repeat of the Second World War (and WW1 and the 1870 Franco Prussian War and...) would never happen again. Since 1945 we have now had, apart from a few local difficulties, the longest period of peace there has ever been in Western Europe.

Typical Europhile tosh. I bet you still believe in Father Christmas too.

Generali

movilogo wrote: »

What was the rational behind joining in EU?

Is this decision ever reviewed there after?

Why can't we get out of EU?

At the time the UK joined the EU it was mostly a trading group which was committed to freeing markets for goods, capital and labour amongst themselves. As a part of that aim, they were meant to be working towards a single currency as per the Treaty of Rome.

The UK joined in 1972 and then a referendum was called on whether to continue with membership a few months later as had been stated on the UK joining.

Presumably there have been some Parliamentary reviews of EU membership although I have found it hard to find a comprehensive review. EU membership is effectively reviewed by the UK electorate at each General Election (for example, in 1983 and 1987 the Labour Party stood on a platform for leaving the EU as UKIP do today)

The UK could leave the EU freely I guess - I can't see the French and Germans taking up arms to force the UK to retain membership. It would be a mistake to think that the free trade and movement that currently exists would continue to exist outside of the EU. In fact I suspect that heavy trade tariffs and quotas would come into place which would far outweigh the economic benefits of leaving. In 2003 (the last year I can find stats for) more than 50% of the UK's international trade was with the EU (link) and much inward investment in the UK is by foreign firms looking for access to the EU.

Andy_L

Generali wrote: »

The UK could leave the EU freely I guess - I can't see the French and Germans taking up arms to force the UK to retain membership.

The Lisbon treaty has a whole chapter on how to leave, IIRC it's a 2 year process from giving notice

Thrugelmir

cogito wrote: »

Typical Europhile tosh. I bet you still believe in Father Christmas too.

You appear to know little of European history.

purch

At the time the UK joined the EU it was mostly a trading group which was committed to freeing markets for goods, capital and labour amongst themselves. As a part of that aim, they were meant to be working towards a single currency as per the Treaty of Rome

We should remember that even in 1972 there were still strict exchange controls in place throughout much of the World, and certainly throughout Europe.

The way things are going, exchange controls could be a topic back on the agenda in the years to come.

Generali

purch wrote: »

The way things are going, exchange controls could be a topic back on the agenda in the years to come.

I agree although it would be a very big mistake IMO.

I can't think of a single country that has done well out of exchange controls, long term.

purch

And of course if they bring back exchange control, they can also bring back the 'Corset', and then nobody will ever be able to get a Mortgage (although we will all look a little thinner :eek:)

cogito

Thrugelmir wrote: »

You appear to know little of European history.

If there is any evidence that the EU has prevented war between member states, kindly produce it. This is just another canard that the pro-Europe lobby trot out at every opportunity.

Thrugelmir

purch wrote: »

We should remember that even in 1972 there were still strict exchange controls in place throughout much of the World, and certainly throughout Europe.

The way things are going, exchange controls could be a topic back on the agenda in the years to come.

The US varies it rates on import taxes to protect its own industries. Always has done. So having a "free" trading zone is highly important to the UK.

Thrugelmir

cogito wrote: »

If there is any evidence that the EU has prevented war between member states, kindly produce it. This is just another canard that the pro-Europe lobby trot out at every opportunity.

Not prevented war. But created a harmony between member states. When the EU was formed originally. Communism was perceived as a major threat. Look at the changes in Europe since the Berlin War came down in 1989. The break up of the Soviet Union.

The Balkans should be a reminder to everyone of how much hatred does exist between certain factions.