As part of my Over To You theme, I was asked to talk about whether I’m voting in or out of Europe and why by Fiona from Coombe Mill. Thanks Fiona.
Before I start, I feel I should point out that politics isn’t really something I know anything about, so please, if you’re unsure which way to vote do your own research because this post is just my opinion. I don’t usually discuss politics here for that reason, but that’s part of the fun of Over To You – it pushes me firmly out of my comfort zone.
Why I’m Voting Out Of The EU
- Generally speaking, anything a conservative government push for isn’t something that will be good for the
average working class person, so the fact they are all over this worries me. - If we leave Europe, then there is talk of a 10% tariff on goods exported from the UK. While on face value this sounds bad, the same 10% would be applied on imported goods too. As we import more goods than we export, current estimates show this would generate £10 billion for the UK.
- We would have control of our own borders, which is a huge plus. We wouldn’t be forced to accept immigrants from within Europe, they would be assessed on the same scale as non-European immigrants meaning if an immigrant had no means of supporting themselves, we could refuse entry.
- We would have more control over working regulations – minimum wage, maternity leave etc rather than having to go along with what Europe chooses to do.
- It concerns me a lot when one of the main selling points for remaining in Europe is that we can get cheaper mobile phone calls abroad. If this is something that is being used as a valid reason to stay, it makes me wonder if the campaign is really as solid as people think.
- Arguably, being in the EU makes it easier for terrorists to enter the UK. It also makes it much harder to deport criminals. If we were to leave, the UK would still stand with Europe in the fight against terrorism, in much the same way the USA does. Remember, we have been allies with a lot of the countries in Europe long before the EU came about, and there is no reason why that wouldn’t continue to be the case.
So that’s my reasoning. I may well be wrong, because like I say, politics isn’t really my thing, I honestly think that’s a huge part of the problem. People who know nothing about any of the issues facing us (and I fully include myself in that category) are voting based on media propaganda and politicians lies.
Ultimately, all we can do is follow our gut instinct and that’s mine.
Thanks for the question Fiona 🙂
Will you be voting in or out? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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Well done Deb, a brave post on such an emotive subject.
I too am voting out. It’s caused massive ‘discussions’ with my friends and bloggers but, each to their own and like you I’ve weighed up the arguements, sifted thought the crap some of them have been spouting and come to a decision.
We shall wait and see what happens…
X
Thank you 🙂 Generally, I try to avoid talking to people about politics because we all have our own views, and no one is going to change their minds. I think whatever happens the fall out will be interesting to say the least x
I won’t be voting because I am one of those pesky immigrants from Europe ha ha. You can guess which side I support and would vote if I could 😀
It will be an interesting time the aftermath, which ever way it goes. I hope I don’t sound too detached, I’m not, but having studied politics and economics I can see what a turbulent time there is coming!
Haha yes 🙂 I actually think the rest of Europe should get a say too like get to vote on whether or not they even want us to stay. I agree – whichever way it goes there’s going to be long and rocky adjustment period!
I think it’s always difficult to blog about politics because people can feel so strongly about it so well done on taking the plunge! I’ve just written my first (and probably last) political post on the same subject (publishing on 20 June). But I’m voting remain. I don’t like that all the arguments are based on trying to get the most OUT of the EU with the minimum amount of INPUT and commitment from us. I think working together and helping those who are poorer in society (whether that society is on a national or international scale) is very important. But I do like hearing other people’s views too.
I agree, politics and religion are guaranteed to stir up some deep beliefs and opinions.
That’s a really good reason to vote to remain, I’ve honestly never thought of it from that angle before.
Thanks for your comment, I look forward to reading your post too!
Well done for putting yourself out there in this debate. I’m a solid ‘ remain’ voter but have been dismayed with the remain campaign because instead of listening to people’s concerns it gone down the ‘why would you want to associate yourself with those people’ smug rhetoric. So in order to put my comments where my mouth is and in the spirit of good debate I wanted to address each of your comments with my own, not to change your mind but to show the other side of the arguments:
1. I am in no way a Tory voter and it does feel weird agreeing with Cameron but there are also big Tory names on the leave campaign.
2.I don’t know much about this but it does assume that those people who export from us would continue to do so if we left the EU. We would need to negotiate new trade agreements and no one can guarantee that they would happen.
3. Immigration is not a huge concern for me. I find it hard to believe that people would leave their homes and families simply to enter our welfare system which doesn’t exactly gift people with an embarrassment of riches. Most do very important, vital jobs for our country and contribute a lot to our tax system.
4. Our current working conditions are absolutely a result of the EU but what’s to say leaving would make them better not worse. We have some of the best working conditions in the world because of the EU not in spite of it.
5. Absolutely agree this is a shit point to campaign on.
6.I’m not seeing how being an EU member makes it easier for terrorists to come here. 3 of the 4 July 6th bombers were British born and one was born in Jamaica so can’t follow the logic that we’d be safer/ stronger if we left the EU.
Sorry for the long comment! Like I’ve said it is not a criticism of your comments (all valid) more a widening of discussion.
“Generally speaking, anything a conservative government pushes for isn’t something that will be good for the working class person…”
I wish we’d get that message here in the U.S. Because, frequently, the working class votes conservative. Deep sigh.
It’s so frustrating when people vote for someone who is going to screw them over!
I wish we all had more information about what might happen and because I don’t feel I know, I’m voting ‘remain’. A lot of my friends and family are from mainland Europe, others work for European firms with bases over here and we run a business that buys from European countries so I don’t feel that I can rock the boat too much – just in case! #BloggerClubUK
I would agree if your business trades within Europe then remain would be the way to go.