Would you like the UK out of the European Union?

GeorgeHowell

pqrdef wrote: »

But if the UK leaves the EU, German domination of Europe becomes inevitable. Frankfurt becomes the financial capital. German rather than English becomes the second language of choice across Europe, and then the lingua franca. And so on.

The English language is actually the best thing we've got, and we need to fight for its predominance everywhere.

The first paragaraph is fair comment, but I don't think it's worth the sacrifice of our independence as a nation for what I see as the futile attempt to prevent inevitable German domination of continental Europe.

Regarding the English language it is the world's lingua franca, and continental Europe will be the ones out of step with everyone else on the planet if they try to fly in the face of that.

The_White_Horse

as long as we get to stay in the song contest, then i'd vote us out of the EU.

If the EU was simply UK, Germany, France etc then fine. However, the admission of all the southern and eastern european countries has in effect ruined the idea. Most people don't want to travel from the UK to set up in or work in Romania, yet most Romanians want the reverse. It is a stupid situation.

Its like a millionaire doing a holiday house swap with someone in a rotten council estate. Not really workable.

The_White_Horse

what we really need to ask is why, since 1975 have successive Govts (labour and conservative) pushed and pushed the EUropean agenda onwards when they all knew that the people didn't want it. A referendum would always have been NO yet whatever party is in charge, they march on with indifference to the wants of the people they represent. Typical of the EU's general attitude to democracy.

zagubov

A._Badger wrote: »

It's a consideration but you have to bear in mind that we do far more trade with the USA than most EU countries, as well. Moreover, Ireland will always remain a physically very small country - how many major industries could it sustain? US businesses will remain here because they need to and because if we can ever get out of this mess, we will remain in a strong position.


Britain needs to be out in the world, where it has traditionally made its living, not shivering behind an artificial wall, fearful of competition.

That's not a problem. Its population density is low and it has plenty of room for industrial expansion. Picture Yorkshire's population spread over an area bigger than half the size of England.
This article will open your eyes.

The big problem holding back industries from moving to Ireland is more likely the logistics of exporting greater distances. It would be less hassle to relocate to Wales, Scotland, and the North of England and transport goods by road/rail. The UK is in a very good position for the US in terms of location and not just language.

GeorgeHowell

The_White_Horse wrote: »

what we really need to ask is why, since 1975 have successive Govts (labour and conservative) pushed and pushed the EUropean agenda onwards when they all knew that the people didn't want it. A referendum would always have been NO yet whatever party is in charge, they march on with indifference to the wants of the people they represent. Typical of the EU's general attitude to democracy.

That's a very good question, and I suspect that there is no one simple answer but a number of different agenda, including :-

A European superstate will be the equal of the USA, and will ensure that they cannot push us around or get all their own way (a great many European politicians, including some in the UK)

It demonstrates a broad vision, based on the inevitable march of history (eg Blair, Heseltine)

A federal Europe would greatly enhance likelihood of a permanent socialist regime (eg Brown)

It might involve a proportional electoral system where the political no-marks would still have a permanent influence (eg Clegg)

It would take more decision making out of the hands of grubby politicians and into the hands of the technocrats where it belongs. Democracy is too important to be left to the will of the people (the civil service)

It is a fantastic gravy train that will be fought to the death not to give up (Euro MPs and Commissioners)

Although there is a lot wrong with the EU, the thought of having to govern outside of it is just too uncertain and involves too many risks -- better the devil you know, and we can't afford to be isolated (eg Cameron, Hague)

Sampong

The_White_Horse wrote: »

what we really need to ask is why, since 1975 have successive Govts (labour and conservative) pushed and pushed the EUropean agenda onwards when they all knew that the people didn't want it. A referendum would always have been NO yet whatever party is in charge, they march on with indifference to the wants of the people they represent. Typical of the EU's general attitude to democracy.

Don't worry, you will get your referendum, I am sure of it.... :cool:

Here is Dave making the promise in 2009 before the general election, i'm just waiting for him to make good on the promise;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ2n7oMcSi0

Cameron LIES

pqrdef

GeorgeHowell wrote: »

what I see as the futile attempt to prevent inevitable German domination of continental Europe.

It's not inevitable so long as most Europeans don't feel the need to learn German.

pqrdef

Sampong wrote: »

Here is Dave making the promise in 2009 before the general election

A referendum will bring down the government, because it will only need to be called over a development that the government wants to support. How ironic, Cameron and Hague calling their referendum and having to campaign for a Yes vote.

So what happens next? An election in which all major parties make a manifesto promise to ignore the referendum result? Or does some party have a sudden change of heart? Voters love turncoat parties.

Our politics could be reduced to the kind of mess they have in some other EU countries.

Miss_Havisham

very interesting comments thank you. I don't have a clue and i'm certain that the majority of people in the UK don't either. This is why i don't believe a referendum on such an important and critical affair of state should be put to the vote in this way.

Conrad

pqrdef wrote: »

A referendum will bring down the government, .

I take it you are in favour of the WW1 style of managment? Having far away chiefs make decisions for the trench's they have no daily connection to?

I just don't get why your'e so afraid of Britian trading alone like so many other sucessful nations do.

By removing layers of Euro regulation we can become more, not less, competetive.