Indeed the worst-case Brexit scenario is based on a situation where Britain is unable to draw up its own
trade agreement with Europe which, considering how much the EU relies on UK exports, is an entirely
illogical thought process. Another study, published by the Institute of Economic Affairs – and cited by
the Office for Budget Responsibility – argues that leaving the EU will actually increase GDP by 13%.
Avon has just announced it is setting up its global headquarters in the UK while HSBC, Honda, Hitachi,
Toyota, Nissan and Vauxhall are just a small number of multinational businesses which have already
committed to having UK office bases regardless of our membership of the EU.
27. Hammer home the injustice
It has taken 41 long years, since the ECC referendum of 1975, for the people of this country to have
another say on an institution which affects every single aspect of our lives. Over four decades the
European Common Market has morphed into something very different and political ideals of federalism
have advanced forward without the people of this country having their say, despite referendum
promises along the way.
We now, finally, have the chance to hold
this undemocratic institution to account.
British laws should be made in British
Parliament in the interests of the British
people.
The words of former Labour MP Tony
Benn, one of the most important figures
on the socialist left in Britain, have never
held more relevance. He said: “I can think of no body of men outside the Kremlin who have so much
power without a shred of accountability for what they do,” and “When I saw how the European Union
was developing, it was very obvious what they had in mind was not democratic. In Britain, you vote for a
government so the government has to listen to you, and if you don’t like it, you can change it.” People
would be wise to remember these words when they enter the polling booth on June 23...
Conclusion
When I set out on my research mission several months ago, I mistakenly assumed this referendum was
confined to one issue – immigration – and to a single set of political values and ideals. I couldn’t have
been more wrong. For this is a debate far wider than any solitary concern. The reality is there are
numerous, compelling reasons to vote ‘Leave’ no matter where your politics lie.
Those on the right will naturally worry about open-door, uncontrolled immigration from EU countries
and the effects this is having on house prices, wages, public services and national security. With the likes
of Turkey and Ukraine moving closer to EU integration, these fears are only going to become more
prominent.
People occupying the centre-ground should reject the endless economic scare stories and listen to those
27 cross-party reasons to Leave the EU | @DavidSeadon