Interesting debate for both sides...
Also watched the Paxman on iplayer. All very interesting and have to listen carefully what is said and proposed.
Crux of the matter here is EU has been an ultimate success. I think anyone who says otherwise is talking utter nonsense. That's for starters. Non debatable imho.
However, it is changing and evolving. I concur a GREAT DEAL with what is said about accountability, sovereignty and regulation. The system needs change. There are some real challenges.
But walking away from them is NOT the answer. We work inside with our partners to achieve it. Not by being outside snipping and moaning about them.
KEY issue is single currency. Yes has benefits but without FISCAL union, it's at the mercy of PIGS who'll not have the discipline or efficiency or honesty and in tegrity of the Germans.
With fiscal union there comes taxation and real politics of money exchanging hands. This further POLITICAL union coupled with what has been much objected to is bringing the EU to new challenges and possible breaking point.
NUTS of the matter, EU will not break. Some countries will but not the EU. So whilst some (the weak) drop out, the strong like Germany, Holland, France and Benulux countries will unite.
I thought the Paxman show towards the end showed the achievements and vision of the young quite well.
With respect to the Bloomberg show, I thought Lawson and Lamont big hitters from the past who both really damaged UK economy by their actions and decisions were brash and abrupt againts Levy and the Italian commissioner. I thought Fairbrain talked much sense but being the only lady didn't say much but spoke well.
Fact that two Europeans who couldn't speak very fluently and spoke least did well to Lawsons 'nonsense' interruptions.
Anyone who listens Lawson in defence of Levy telling him the UK does not acknowledge the benefits it has received from EU went on to recount how it wasn't just an Island etc etc getting a little annoyed mentioned membership of many other bodies (paradoxically imo).
He mentioned, NATO, Security Council, the Commonwealth and India! Isn't this strange way to talk up standing of Britain whilst belitting benefits it has received from the EU. Old age catching up with him I reckon.
Anyhow, the Commonwealth outside of India doesn't include Russia, Brazil or China. Indians not easy to deal with these days either as they are demanding like Europe that if you want to sell in their market you need to ensure certain percentage of goods or value added business originates in India. How strange they apply same rules and regulations as EU does when conducting international business.
Anyhow, yes EU needs reform but leaving and walking away turning our backs on 40% of our trade is not the answer.
Lamont also went along the lines the trade will continue as before but one could see EU simmering with objections from other states who will VETO agreements that may be advantages to UK. So there is going to be much changes and uncertainty which is simply not on any ones radar.
I have visions of the Titanic playing out again. Titanic the great luxury liner, doing perfectly well, sailing across the Atlantic. In their damn greed and desire to be the best essentially to knock the Germans in to second spot, they ignore all warnings and head straight into an iceberg that sinks the boat.
Still struggling to comprehend all the rubbish about sovereignty. I do like Parliament but do not see us relinquishing control. It's more about system and administration of Government.
Why do I feel that if we leave, that I (personally) will in fact lose freedoms that I now have in Europe?
Either way hoping and wishing for the best
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