EU Referendum

[FairwayDodger]

Hence why I believe our country shouldn't be part of the organisation to ensure we can dictate where we spend all our money and attempt to get more value for our own money

So it's purely an economic argument to you?

Very few of us are qualified to argue the detailed economics of EU membership but, for me, it's about so much more than just money. Coming out of the EU would be the wrong "direction of travel" - as people of the world, not just Europe we need to be coming together, even if that means some pain for the richer nations.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

So it's purely an economic argument to you?

Very few of us are qualified to argue the detailed economics of EU membership but, for me, it's about so much more than just money. Coming out of the EU would be the wrong "direction of travel" - as people of the world, not just Europe we need to be coming together, even if that means some pain for the richer nations.

Economics will always have a big say because it could also give more a better life within this country - more money going into our NHS , more going towards building homes , creating more jobs.

IMO you don't have to be part of an organisation to work together or make things better between countries.

 

[SocketRocket]

So it's purely an economic argument to you?

Very few of us are qualified to argue the detailed economics of EU membership but, for me, it's about so much more than just money. Coming out of the EU would be the wrong "direction of travel" - as people of the world, not just Europe we need to be coming together, even if that means some pain for the richer nations.

Isn't applying that sentiment only to the EU a bit narrow. Should we not be considering the rest of the world more than the relatively wealthy EU.

 

[FairwayDodger]

Isn't applying that sentiment only to the EU a bit narrow. Should we not be considering the rest of the world more than the relatively wealthy EU.

Absolutely, that's what I was saying, but one step at a time. I'm all for people of the world coming together but don't expect to see it in my lifetime since we can't even play nice with the European neighbours with whom we have so much in common.

 

[SocketRocket]

Absolutely, that's what I was saying, but one step at a time. I'm all for people of the world coming together but don't expect to see it in my lifetime since we can't even play nice with the European neighbours with whom we have so much in common.

I'm not so sure about that. I feel I have more in common with commonwealth countries that I do with those in the EU.

 

[FairwayDodger]

I'm not so sure about that. I feel I have more in common with commonwealth countries that I do with those in the EU.

I couldn't disagree more but I probably have a different perspective on it than you....

 

[jp5]

I'm not so sure about that. I feel I have more in common with commonwealth countries that I do with those in the EU.

I'd say we have a lot more in common with the average European country than the average Commonwealth country!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I'm not sure what criteria to use to judge how much we are in common with other countries

I feel as a nation we are more in common with Australia and New Zealand compared to France as example

I'm not sure what we have in common with places like France and Spain ?

 

[jp5]

More to the commonwealth than Australia, NZ & Canada!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

More to the commonwealth than Australia, NZ & Canada!

I know I just used them as examples

Whilst working in the RAF I have worked alongside a lot of countries from both the Commonwealth and Europe and during those times it's clear to me that we have a connection with people in commonwealth countries and there always seems to be a friendly relationship

That's just from my expirence

 

[SocketRocket]

I'd say we have a lot more in common with the average European country than the average Commonwealth country!

I wouldn't doubt you have, but I don't.

 

[jp5]

I wouldn't doubt you have, but I don't.

I really do doubt that! But you are of course welcome to your opinion.

 

[Hobbit]

Unfortunately this part just discredits everything else you've written.

Why? Perhaps you could explain why people are transiting on to Northern Europe? Maybe they just fancy a run out?

 

[Hobbit]

So it's purely an economic argument to you?

Very few of us are qualified to argue the detailed economics of EU membership but, for me, it's about so much more than just money. Coming out of the EU would be the wrong "direction of travel" - as people of the world, not just Europe we need to be coming together, even if that means some pain for the richer nations.

As a sentiment I think that's admirable, and i wish it was achievable. Unfortunately we live in a world that is tribal

 

[FairwayDodger]

As a sentiment I think that's admirable, and i wish it was achievable. Unfortunately we live in a world that is tribal

Exactly, which is why we need to take the small steps that might eventually get us there. That's why I voted "no" in the independence referendum and it's why I'll be voting to stay in the EU. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part but that's how my conscience will dictate my vote.

 

[Hobbit]

Exactly, which is why we need to take the small steps that might eventually get us there. That's why I voted "no" in the independence referendum and it's why I'll be voting to stay in the EU. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part but that's how my conscience will dictate my vote.

Totally agree with your sentiment and your conscience vote. I disagree but only on the principle of why. For me it's self determination, and nothing else. If we were a hell of a lot closer to your global society I wouldn't hesitate to vote in.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Does anyone really think we should get more money back from the EU than we put in?

I get great benefit from my golf club membership but it costs money to get those benefits. Same thing on a much bigger scale with the EU.

...and I believe that some of the benefits we get are not easily 'valued' in monetary ways, so for instance many environmental improvements brought about through UK having to adhere to and meet EEC standards and directives. What monetary value do you put on the health, wellbeing (through reduced illness through water-borne disease ) and leisure benefits we all get individually from much of our river and coastal water meeting the EEC Water Directive Framework. Yes we may have cleaned up our act without it - but we might not have.

 

[FairwayDodger]

...and I believe that some of the benefits we get are not easily 'valued' in monetary ways, so for instance many environmental improvements brought about through UK having to adhere to and meet EEC standards and directives. What monetary value do you put on the health, wellbeing (through reduced illness through water-borne disease ) and leisure benefits we all get individually from much of our river and coastal water meeting the EEC Water Directive Framework. Yes we may have cleaned up our act without it - but we might not have.

Exactly! :thup:

 

[Deleted member 15344]

So can we not keep those standards if we leave the UK ?

 

[FairwayDodger]

So can we not keep those standards if we leave the UK ?

You're just wanting to break away from everything now!