With the EU referendum set for June 23rd, the In and Out (Brexit) campaigns are working overtime to convince the British public to vote their way. However, a large percentage of people still have no idea how or which way they should vote. To help you make your mind up Impact Features has compiled the benefits for both choices.
Benefits of Staying in the EU:
- Free movement – with the free movement laws in the EU, students are free to travel around Europe without a visa. This not only makes your gap year planning a lot easier, but also means that people can choose to live and retire abroad.
- Free trade – as a member of the EU, restrictions on imports or exports are very limited, allowing for cheaper prices for our groceries and essentials.
- EU Law protects rights – specifically the EU protects our right to maternity/paternity leave and also paid holiday leave.
- Cheaper holidays – EU action is making it cheaper for us to use our mobiles abroad and drives down the cost of flights by 40% according to the ‘Stronger In’ Campaign.
Benefits of Leaving the EU:
- Increase Britain’s influence – inside the EU, Britain’s influence over proceedings is limited, however the Brexit campaigners argue that outside, Britain would have a bigger impact on laws regarding free trade.
- Change immigration laws – as part of the EU, Britain is bound by immigration laws; leaving would allow the UK more control over its borders and the chance to cut down on immigration.
- New relationships unbound by EU law – while the In campaigners argue Britain’s bargaining power will be stronger as part of the EU, ‘Brexit-ers’ say that Britain will be able to negotiate trade laws individually with countries, and form new relationships with non-European countries like China, India and America.
- More control of business laws and regulations – outside the EU, Britain will have control over health and safety and business laws, something which a recent Business for Britain poll favoured.
Although this article only superficially covered the topic, it should give you a basic understanding of the main arguments. For a thorough report on the EU referendum, we suggest visiting The Economist or the BBC websites. Don’t forget to vote on June 23rd, and if you would like to share your thoughts, please comment below.
Natalie Mallory
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