ot Would Britain be better off econimically outside the EU?

[walter10]

I have heard that Britain needs to get out of the EU and, with our new found economic independence, we will be much better off financially.

Recent history shows us we have never really had economic independence. In the past 250 years Britain has not stood on its own in the economic sense [in that we’ve been propped up financially by the Empire, then held preferential trading terms with Commonwealth countries (that was stopped as a trade-off to secure a loan from the US after the Second World War), bailed out by the loan from the US and, now, benefiting from the free trade zone in Europe].

What evidence is there that we will be better off economically going it alone? There is no history to support it.

[howdydoo]

The Rest of the World isn't going to be put off trading with Britain if we leave the EU.

If we'd have adopted the Euro, that would have posed a big potential problem but we still have the GBP.

We have a trade gap that makes us a net importer. If we sort our own manufacturing and the infrastructure out, we stand as good a chance as anyone to go 'alone' in Europe and potentially go on and prosper.

The US would support us in some way.

PS. That's not a vote to pull out of Europe BTW, just a short answer to a complex question.

[BellBoy]

To be honest i don't know.
No one has clearly outlined the pros and cons or provided evidence to support their arguement.
Listening to Farage, he says we would still trade and pay a levy each year to the EU (which I believe other countries already do and are doing ok). The levy is far less than we pay now and we regain control of our borders and laws.
The flip side says it would be a economic disaster but provide no evidence to say why. Me thinks this is mainly the large multinational companies who make massive profits and pay low wages, but I don't know.

[walter10]

Howdy - It's a very complex question indeed.

I agree, the rest of the world will not stop trading with us. Although America has already said we will not be part of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership if we pull out of Europe.

[gm_gm]

I have heard that Britain needs to get out of the EU and, with our new found economic independence, we will be much better off financially.

Recent history shows us we have never really had economic independence. In the past 250 years Britain has not stood on its own in the economic sense [in that we’ve been propped up financially by the Empire, then held preferential trading terms with Commonwealth countries (that was stopped as a trade-off to secure a loan from the US after the Second World War), bailed out by the loan from the US and, now, benefiting from the free trade zone in Europe].

What evidence is there that we will be better off economically going it alone? There is no history to support it.

You are asking a reasonable question Walt but are making unreasonable assumptions, being "in" or "out" doesnt necessarily halt trade. We dont have the euro (thank goodness) but still manage to trade successfully with all other eu

[walter10]

gm - agreed it won't stop us trading with Europe.

For member states the EU is a 'free trade zone' (ie duty free). Countries outside the EU (like China and the USA) pay duty on items imported into Europe.

If they slap duty our exports what effect will that have on our ability to trade in Europe?

Are you guaranteeing we will enjoy 'free trade' with Europe if we pull out?

[avondalemiller]

we sell our exports because they're good and at the right price, if they impose a tax on our goods in to the EU then they're making it dearer for themselves.

What we make is good that's why it sells all over the world, regaining control of our borders would be a bonus, we could shut the door to all the criminals and undesirables and let in who we want, whereas now any body from the EU can walk in.
How can it be morally right that someone from the EU, with children who don't live here, claim our Child Allowance and send it back to Poland(just for an example) to spend in their country?

i'll go and get my tin hat out...

[S8_Miller]

If they slap duty our exports what effect will that have on our ability to trade in Europe?

Works both ways that Walter. We do like our BMW's, Audi's and Volkswagon's in the UK.

[walter10]

If they slap duty our exports what effect will that have on our ability to trade in Europe?

Works both ways that Walter. We do like our BMW's, Audi's and Volkswagon's in the UK.[/quote]

It certainly does. Why risk it all though? Too much uncertainty in the out lobby for me.

[walter10]

we sell our exports because they're good and at the right price, if they impose a tax on our goods in to the EU then they're making it dearer for themselves.

What we make is good that's why it sells all over the world, ...

It's an old fashioned view that we have exclusivity on high class goods.

The truth is that duty will more likely price up out of the market (which is my fear).