Why Britain joined EU?

Pennywise

I've never really seen any of the supposed "benefits" of freedom between EU countries. Someone above mentioned tourism and holiday homes, but I've got clients with holiday homes in America and Turkey, who have no more "problems" as opposed to those with homes in Spain. Same with tourism, we seem to be able to attract American and Japanese tourists and I've never seen any real difference when I travel abroad - we still have to cope with passports, security, etc whether we fly to France or Turkey. I've clients who import/export all over the world, and they don't break into sweat at the thought of an Australian customer or a Chinese supplier - they certainly have no preference to deal only with EU countries, in fact, these days, the paperwork/reporting/VAT for EU transactions is actually worse than for non-EU trades despite the supposed "benefits" of open borders (which simply doesn't exist). As for inward investment from overseas firms, I see that Google, Amazon, yahoo, paypal, ebay, etc have all set up their EU subsidiaries in countries other than the UK - typically Spain, Jersey, Ireland or Switzerland - why aren't they located in the UK if being in the EU is so beneficial for the UK? In these cases, I'd say that being in the EU is counter-productive - the US firms want to trade in the UK as it's probably their biggest single country/market in Europe, but the EU rules allow them to base themselves in another EU country, giving them access to UK customers without the liabilities (i.e. taxation, employment law, etc) - the worse of both worlds, I think!

cogito

Thrugelmir wrote: »

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.

I suspect it's got rather more to do with NATO than the EU.

DVardysShadow

Generali wrote: »

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.

Historical error. The referendum was several years later in 1978 or 79. Under Labour.

DVardysShadow

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.

Wars between EU states after accession: NIL
Wars between EU states before accession MANY.

Do you really want evidence, or are you just trying on silly hats?

cogito

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Wars between EU states after accession: NIL
Wars between EU states before accession MANY.

Do you really want evidence, or are you just trying on silly hats?

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I guess that clinches it then.

maginot

The EU wasn't created until 1993. The UK originally joined the EEC which has significant fundamental differences than a Union. This is perhaps why people argue against being in the EU rather than having the free trade of a trading bloc (that has been shown to increase our GDP and increased our overall standard of living over the decades).

tomterm8

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Historical error. The referendum was several years later in 1978 or 79. Under Labour.

I don't understand where you get that from. The european referendum happened on 6 Jun 1975 during a minority administration lead by the labour prime minister wilson. The labour party voted to opose membership of the EEC on 26 April 1975. The tory party supported membership of the EEC. There has never been a referendum on membership of the EU.

leveller2911

Thrugelmir wrote: »

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.

So where does "Harmony" end and Communism begin?.

If you take that arguement to a conclusion ALL states will be equel ,standard of living equel,currencies etc etc etc.Now as far as I'm aware (only had a basic education so im happy to be "educated") NEVER in the history of the world has that been a success.Its human nature to want more and when member states see/think other states are getting a better deal theres gonna be trouble.......That is exactly what ended the "Communism" experiement, all equel but some more equel than others.


My view is why oh why should I work hard and pay endless amounts of tax to pay for new motorways all over Europe when our roads are in such a state.I personally find it insulting when I see an EU flag on a huge poster saying how "THEY" have funded the building of sea defences on the South Coast ,whilst knowing we pay so much into a corrupt system......

Sorry but I just don't get it.We as a nation have "punched way above our weight" when It comes to giving money to the 3rd world ,whilst the likes of France ,Italy and numerous others promise so much and deliver nothing,literally nothing.:rolleyes:


I think the Balkans is an extreme example and a consequence from the fall of Communism.It will be interesting when/if Turkey actually get to join.Next stop world domination.Im sure the French will love that(only if they don't have to fight anyone or pay for anything).

maginot

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Wars between EU states after accession: NIL
Wars between EU states before accession MANY.

Do you really want evidence, or are you just trying on silly hats?

This is more likely to have resulted from the increase in income from the EU countries. I agree this is a benefit from having free trading partners, but the EU is not the main cause of it.

Otherwise you could also argue that McDonalds brings peace because no country that has a McDonalds has ever gone to war???

DVardysShadow

tomterm8 wrote: »

I don't understand where you get that from. The european referendum happened on 6 Jun 1975 during a minority administration lead by the labour prime minister wilson. The labour party voted to opose membership of the EEC on 26 April 1975. The tory party supported membership of the EEC. There has never been a referendum on membership of the EU.

Sorry. I was too idle to get the date. But it was years under a different administration, not months.