If There's One Positive from this Referendum ...

I cannot remember, in my lifetime, a time when all the major British political parties - otherwise in opposition - agreed on any single issue:

That it is within British interest to Remain a member of the European Union.


As well as the above, the following are also in agreement:

• Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England
• Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England
• Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
• Michael O’Leary, CEO, Ryanair
• Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group
• Lord Alan Sugar, British Businessman
• Professor Michael Dougan, Lecturer & Parliamentary Consultant on EU Law
• John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Tony Bair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister & Chancellor of the Exchequer
• All leaders of EU nations
• Barack Obama, President of the United States of America
• President of China
• President of India
• President of Canada
• President of New Zealand
• President of Japan
• Former United Nations Leader
• Secretary General of NATO
• International Monetary Fund
• Institute for Fiscal Studies
• Confederation of British Industry
• Director of the World Trade Organisation
• Ngaire Woods, Professor of Economics Oxford University
• Stephen Hawking
• 13 Nobel Prize Winners
• Oxford University

To name a few.

#VoteRemain

Nick Clegg on the EU vs UK Parliaments

Found this online and trimmed it to this short extract. Makes a very good point about dealing with the frustration of political institutions from someone who worked both in Brussels and Westminster.

Former MEP & Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, speaks briefly about his experience working in the European Parliament vs the UK Parliament, and the challenges of both.

Why I'm voting to Remain

Dear friends,

I have decided to vote to Remain on Thursday. Here's why.

I am not an economist. I am not a politician. I've tried my best to understand both sides of the argument in this debate, but ultimately, the reasons that affect my vote aren't political, they are personal.

Let me explain a little how the EU directly affects me and my family:

• I have a very talented sister who (as well as English) is fluent in three other European languages and has lived, studied and worked in Europe. She would tell you that, though she doesn't make much money, she was able to pursue these passions thanks to her rights as an EU Citizen*: freedom of movement, right of residence, right to work, right of non-discrimination, diplomatic and consular protection, etc.

• My dad is a scientist working in higher education. His department works within the EU to better understand our planet, the environment and climate change. That is how I know the scientific community in Europe depends on the EU because it is a vehicle for collaboration, partnership and funding. Oh, by the way, his job is paid for by the EU.

• My mum is a linguist at the European headquarters of a large Industrial Equipment Manufacturer based in South Wales which exports mainly to EU countries. Her job is as a sales liaison with European clients. She and her colleagues rely on access to the EU's Single Market in order to maintain their competitive edge.

• I have another sister who is due this year to marry an immigrant into this country. He is a good man who is currently making a positive contribution to our society. He is intelligent honourable, and a positive example to those around him. We need people like that.

In addition, I have family currently living, working and going to school in France. I wrote to my uncle asking for his perspective, you can read the reply here. How a Brexit will affect them is uncertain right now, and I`m not going to pretend I know just to win a debate. However, there are a number factors which do affect me personally - and indeed all Britons - when it comes to travel, not just within Europe but also internationally. For example:

• I keep in my wallet a European Health Insurance Card* in case of emergecy
• When I travel in Europe, I do not need to apply for a visa
• If travelling anywhere in the world and an emergency situation arises and I require consular assistance,* if I am unable to get to the British embassy there are 27 other embassies I can go to.
• The reduced cost of airline flights and travel insurance between EU countries
• UK mobile networks offer internet data roaming in Europe at no extra cost
• All these, and more, are only due to Britain`s membership of the EU

If I'm going to be persuaded to give up all of these and also my rights as an EU Citizen mentioned earlier, there better be a good reason. So far, having followed Vote Leave on Twitter and Facebook for some weeks, I am yet to find a coherent plan for the Economy or Foreign Diplomacy from anyone in the Brexit Camp, just a vague notion of the Britain of yesterday. That simply is not good enough for me. There have been many times in my life where I've been in a job I've hated, but it put bread on the table and allowed me to go on holiday once in a while, and I know from experience that you don't just quit without a plan for what's next.

Now, a word on some of these 'European immigrants' - or as I prefer to call them, my friends. Many of my friends, co-workers and fellow worshippers of God who live or have lived in Cardiff are Spanish, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Irish, German, Swiss, Czech, Swedish, Italian, French...  all from European free-movement states, and all of these people, as far as I have seen, have made a positive contribution to our society, and not the negative drain that some (brandishing proverbial pitchforks and flame-torches) would have us believe. I am not ashamed to say that it is my personal conviction that Cardiff is a better place to live because of them and I appose any notion that would make them feel that they are unwelcome in this country.

Finally, with respect to my own political views, I will simply say this: I do not know of a time in my lifetime when all the major political parties agreed on any single issue. As well as this Conservative Government - which was voted in by the British public - the Labour Party, the Lib Dems, the SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru and others, all agree that to remain in the EU is within our country’s interest. I cannot ignore that fact.

For this reason, I will be voting to Remain come Thursday, and I would recommend to you to do the same also.

#DropMic

* EU Citizenship, see http://ec.europa.eu/justice/citizen/

Perspective of a British National Living in the EU

I have family who live, work and go to school in the EU. I wrote to them and asked for their perspective on the EU debate. Specifically, how EU membership has helped them as a family; the impact of a potential Brexit, and what they make of this debate. I wanted to share the response as I think it's a very interesting and balanced perspective.

Gareth

For us Brits, like back home, we have taken for granted many benefits of EU membership. You are reminded of its priveleges when for instance you have American friends here - they cannot work, there are no health benefits. A settled life here is very difficult for them unless they are retired. They can put their children into state schools though. The French don't make it easier for non french EU citizens of course so accessing these priveleges is difficult. I guess the French government and system cheats on us a bit. 

How much of this will change if UK exists is uncertain. They probably wouldn't bunge everyone out and some special agreements might well be formed - as they are for other non EU states within Europe eg the Swiss. Health care would probably be reciprocal. Our children could access free state education. Work might or might not be permitted - but they don't make it easy at the best of times so for many Brits this might not make a difference.

I think that the immigration argument is not as strong as people think and if we do come out my betting is that in say three years, immigration will be as high as ever; Non EU membership is not going to stop the Calais crisis for instance (immigrants there are in breach of EU rules anyway and a Brexit is going to make no difference to their determination to come to the UK). I cannot see UK throwing out EU immigrant workers either - are we going to throw out the 200,000 French in London? If not can we really chuck out the Poles? Most immigration is from non EU states and the UK is going to continue to permit that. Non EU status is not going to mean we don't have obligations under international law so asylum applications will remain as high as ever.

On the geo politicial front I think a strong united Europe is important both to protect the outer east fringes (formed USSR states) against Russian expansionism. and as a balwrak against US influences. I think that the US needs to have a credible power - pro west but not in their laps. A force for moderation. 

So I vote stay in.

Chris

Prime Minister Statement on EU Reform and the Referendum

What is the Government's plan if we vote Leave? What is this ‘Reformed Europe’ they promise if we vote Remain?

Irrespective of anyone's opinion, In or Out, this may be the most important speech you will see on the EU Referendum because it outlines what will happen after June 23rd.

In February of this year the UK Government negotiated in Brussels for reform on Britain’s status within the European Union. In this video from the 22nd February, the Prime Minster addressed the House of Commons on:

• The Government’s plan if the UK votes to Leave, and
• The new renegotiation with the EU, which will come into effect only if the UK votes to Remain.

He pledges to fully support the British public’s decision, regardless of the result, and says the Govm’t will begin to implement it immediately. If Britain exits, it will be "a final decision." There will not be a chance of a second renegotiation with Europe or a second referendum.

He also promises that he will not stand in the next General Election, saying that he has "no other agenda than what is best for our country" in recommending that Britain "remains in a reformed European Union."

For those who want to make an informed decision, this is among the most important 18 mins of your time you can spend.

(See below for summary)

An Open Letter to my Facebook Friends re: the EU Referendum

[ Image Source: democracychronicles.com ]

Dear British friends of Facebook,

Your political perspectives and contributions to the EU debate are decent enough when tempered with common sense and tact.

However, most of the articles floating around the internet trying to win you over for a ‘like’, a ‘share’ or a 're-post' are, frankly, nonsense and make this referendum seem less like a vote, and more like an IQ test.

Please stop reposting propaganda being promoted by tabloids.

Do not believe everything you read on the internet about this referendum.

DO turn up to vote on the 23rd of June.

DO make an intelligent, informed decision before you vote.

But know that regardless of the outcome, there are two very likely certainties:

(1) Martians from outer space will not be coming to steal our public services if we vote Remain. 

(2) World War III will not break out if we vote Leave.

 ...and if you do disagree with me on any of those last two points specifically, please just keep it to yourself.

I too will be sharing my own perspective on the debate based on my own findings. Civilised counter-debate is welcome, but leave the Daily Express jibber-jabber in your own feed please.