My personal view is the UK should stay in the EU IF the EU was reformed as it implies. Leaving means the UK will be utterly independent and cannot rely on other countries. The EU is an alliance but it is corrupt. In fact, I do not blame those who want to leave the EU but there are repercussions. If the UK leaves, it does not necessarily mean there will be new laws the next day. It will take at least 2 years to discuss and confirm new regulations. I read that France’s President, Francois Hollande warned the UK that if they leave, they will have to accept immigrants. In all fairness, a conclusion on the migration crisis is simple: each country accepts a certain number of migrants since Syria and Iraq are relatively small countries. However, this makes the UK population halt and re-evaluate. The UK government is divided, David Cameron prefers to stay, as well as Jeremy Corbyn (leader of the Labour Party). However, Boris Johnson initially wanted the UK to leave. Johnson reflected and now agrees with Cameron. In fact, it was considered the quickest ‘u turn’ in history. The Liberal Democrats agree to remain in the EU as well but the Conservative party do not seem to come to an agreement. Each MP has their own viewpoint but in the end, it is the public’s vote that will determine whether the UK is in or out.
Recently, David Cameron (the Prime Minister) was at the House of Commons giving his justifications to why the UK should remain in the EU. In the past, he always demanded to leave because the EU is not beneficial to the UK’s economy; I am convinced the EU commission convinced Cameron to remain the EU in exchange for something. Furthermore, the sterling value decreased and the NHS is suffering financially; budgets are being cut in companies, an approximate 40% decrease. Therefore, it is not occasional to leave the EU. The vote will take place on June 23rd, which will be a crucial day; because this is will be the ONLY referendum. Regardless of the decision, the UK will not offer another referendum. This moment is critical, unlike the referendum in Scotland as there are talks for another one.
When David Cameron was justifying his reasons, BBC journalists were interviewing other MPs but not the general public. It is important to have a political perspective on the referendum but the public’s opinion is more essential; it will give a better insight to what the population wants. ”People should not be afraid of their governments, the government should be afraid of its people”. It must be an absolute priority to ask the public prior to the vote. If people vote ‘yes’ it will affect British people all over the globe, students in particular since there will be a turning point on Erasmus programmes (exchanging students from one university to another in any part of the world), visas and rights. Before the referendum, the UK government settled new laws such as newcomers cannot ask for benefits until they have lived in the UK for four years and tax legislation is compulsory. If ‘yes’ to leave the EU, all students will be considered ‘international’ and I highly doubt they will be willing to pay £9000 to £12000 per year (for 3 years) for university tuition fees. The number of foreign students will fall, which affects the level of diversity and ethnicity in the UK; London primarily. For this purpose, it will be a long process to infiltrate new regulations in the UK and people cannot expect these new regulations in 24 hours, after the vote.
The UK is substantial and London is considered the financial capital of Europe; of the world at this rate. However, as emphasized previously, it will complicate the right to work in the UK; similarly to the US. I suggest that people should very much consider the pro’s and con’s of the EU referendum and be confident in their decision.
Once you vote, there is no boat.
Lavinia 