Background Information
Great Britain has a long and complex relationship with the European Union. Firstly, the UK joined the European common market in 1973 under the Conservative Party, and then later joined the European Union in 1993 after Margaret Thatcher’s Prime Ministership. After years of the UK’s involvement in various EU documents and rules, tensions between the UK and the EU started to arise. This ultimately culminated in a breakdown in the relationship and the UK deciding to leave the European Union in 2016, otherwise known as Brexit.
Relevant Data
Research suggests that significantly more people in the UK now want to remain in the EU than to leave it. According to a survey carried out by BMG Research for the Independent, 50% of people polled in the UK wanted to remain compared to 42% who wanted to leave the EU. However, it appears the UK Government is still firmly set on the path of Brexit – meaning that a final answer to the question ‘Does Great Britain belong to the European Union?’ has yet to be revealed.
Expert Perspectives
Many experts have weighed in on this controversial topic, offering differing and often conflicting opinions. Financial services consultant and prominent pro-EU commentator, Hugo Dixon, believes that Britain should stay in the EU so as to remain in a better negotiating position with external countries. Meanwhile, one of the leading figures behind the campaign to leave the EU, Nigel Farage, wrote in The Telegraph that the UK should regain control of its own laws and borders, and that “pulling out of the EU is in Britain’s best interests”.
Analysis
It is impossible to say definitively whether or not Britain will remain in the European Union. The UK Government and British people are becoming increasingly divided over the issue. In addition, Brexit was publicly backed by many of the British people, and is currently a top priority for the government. It will be at least a few more years before we know for sure whether or not Britain will end its relationship with the European Union. My opinion is that the British economy would be more successful if it stays in the EU, as it would allow for better economic and social ties with Europe.
Legality of Brexit
Though Brexit is a highly discussed topic, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding the legality of the departure. According to the EU’s founding treaty of 1957, the Member States are immune to any withdrawal from the union. However, the UK enacted its own Brexit legislation in 2018, with the EU Withdrawal Act allowing the UK to exit the bloc in any manner they wish. This means that the UK can only exit if it has fulfilled the various EU requirements like getting approval for the Withdrawal Agreement.
Post-Brexit Relationships
The British government is aiming to secure post-Brexit relationships with the European Union. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reported as backing a Canada-style post-Brexit relationship which would include free trade within certain industries. However, it is still unclear how a broader relationship between Britain and the EU would look like after Brexit. The UK’s main focus has been to sign free trade agreements with other countries rather than with the EU, which could suggest a weaker post-Brexit connection.
Economical Significance
The economic consequences of Brexit are one of the main factors in deciding the UK’s future with the EU. Proponents of Britain’s involvement in the EU argue that leaving the bloc would bring disruption to financial markets, while opponents suggest that Britain is better off relying on its own economic model and striking free-trade deals with countries outside the EU. In either case, the UK needs to find an economic strategy that is beneficial to both sides if it chooses to remain in the EU.
Political Effects
The political consequences of Brexit in the UK are also significant. It is yet uncertain who will be leading the UK after Brexit with the current Prime Minister’s future appearing uncertain, and the political divisions between the two major parties (Conservatives and Labour) continuing to grow. In addition, a revitalised separatist movement in Scotland and increased pressure on the Northern Ireland devolution may be pushed even further should the UK remain in the EU.
Social Effects
The social effects of Brexit are also of significance to the British people and the future of the UK. It is estimated that for every €100 the UK sends to the EU, they get back about €144 in public services and private benefits. This means that the UK could be facing a €10 – €20 billion hit to its economy should it decide to leave the bloc. The exact extent of the social and economic costs of this decision is still a matter of debate.
Environmental Impact
Many have questioned what the environmental impact of leaving the EU would be for the UK. One of the main concerns is that the UK would lose access to the EU’s unified climate and energy policies, which are some of the world’s most stringent. This would likely leave the UK in a vulnerable position, as it no longer has the unified voice of the EU to hold itself accountable for any environmental failings. On a more positive note, the UK’s involvement in the EU has led to significant improvements in air and water quality as well as the protection of rare species. Therefore, it could be argued that the UK’s continued involvement in the EU is important for environmental progress.
Rights Of EU Citizens
The rights of EU citizens in the UK is another key concern for many people. The EU’s treaties commit the Member State to protecting the rights of workers, consumers, and immigrants in its territory. This means that leaving the EU could put the rights of EU citizens in the UK at risk. On the other hand, some argue that exiting the EU would also protect the rights of British citizens in the bloc.
Culture and Identity
The question of whether the UK should remain in the European Union has been at the centre of cultural and identity debates for years. Supporters of the UK’s membership in the EU argue that Brexit could lead to the UK becoming more insular and isolated from the rest of Europe. Opponents of the EU claim that remaining in the EU would limit the UK’s control over its own culture and identity. Ultimately, this is a debate that is likely to continue well into the future.
