Britain in Europe
Britain in Europe
Some of you may have heard that the Conservative party are keen on a referendum on Britain’s relationship with the European Union.
First of all, it is certain this will not happen until 2015. And if it happens, it will likely be some time after the next general election.
Second, it is neither a policy Liberal or Labour party support. Nor would it have much support in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Third, it is inconceivable that Britain would just shut off proper relations with Europe. Too much trade and prosperity is linked.
Forth, for Bulgarians and Romanians, the UK government has already confirmed that their immigration status will be equalised to that of the rest of Europe from the 1st of January 2014. The free movement of people is not going to go away.
So, why all the talk…
Well, there are many rather annoying and wasteful aspects to the way the EU is managed and financed. It is equally true that the truly advanced member states have lost control of areas where they should have more say, which annoys both the public within those countries, and the politicians. It may also be the case that the UK could remain part of the single market, yet no longer be part of the EU.
However, the UK does still have (almost) complete control of its national economy, borrowing, currency and taxation, which some significant Euro nations would have loved to have had these last few years. Neither has the UK been forced to contribute directly to other nations bailouts, other than via the IMF.
On balance, though the UK puts a great deal in, the UK also, through the free movement of goods and labour, gets a great deal out. The three key questions are this; Would we lose any of those benefits, if we left the EU? Do we want to have a part in shaping the Europe around us going forward? Does our ally, the USA benefit from our inclusion. Probably no (or not much), yes and a big yes respectively.
The UK does still have influence around the world, and that influence is probably doubled as a significant voice within the EU. That is not lost on our politicians, or our US ally. Also, many major international companies choose to base European operations within the UK, as both a significant USA ally and EU country. That is an advantage the UK should seek to keep.
The only potential issue is if a majority of European countries want the UK to leave. The small and/or weak, gain most from EU membership and the UK wants to freeze budgets and potentially hold back further integration. The weak have gained number and the small have an ever greater voice.
That does not mean however that the UK will not continue to welcome the people of Europe to its shores, the Economics gains mean people from all over the world are vital to the prosperity of the UK and London in particular. What is becoming increasingly clear though, is that being able to speak some English is vital to your prospects, and those with fluent English will be valued most in the labour market.