With the European referendum on the 23rd of June, there has been non-stop news coverage on whether the UK should remain in or leave the European Union.
The news has been full of opinions ranging from President Obama to Nigel Farage, on whether membership of the EU is the best option for our country. It seems to me that the vast majority of the youth are in favour of remaining in. However, in my view, leaving the European Union is not just the best option for our country, but also the most moral option considering what the European Union has become.
When Britain joined the EU (then called the EEC) in the 1970s it was largely a trade organisation that shared a common market. Over the years, Europe has transformed from a trade organisation into something resembling a state with a single currency with a flag and a national anthem; in other words, a political union. The British people were never consulted about this federalisation, but regardless, our various governments signed us up into further integration.
The main Issue I have with the European Union is not the fact that it has large influence over Britain (although that’s still an issue), but that as an organisation it is undemocratic and not in anyway supportive of the common people. The European Union is responsible for imposing large level austerity on countries such as Greece, Spain and Portugal, causing cuts to public services, mass unemployment and poverty. Greek Unemployment stands at 27%, the highest rate in Europe. Not to mention the unelected bureaucrats in the European Commission who propose European laws, and the EU signed Trade Deal TTIP, which could allow transnational companies to dictate the policies of elected governments.
“But the EU can reform” we hear from the Green Party and others, who despite opposing austerity, religiously support Britain to remain in the EU. Sadly, regardless of how much we can do, the EU is un-reformable due to the fact that any reform would have to be approved by all 27 EU nations, something which wouldn’t ever practically happen.
Although I cannot yet vote, I would ask those able to decide when the referendum occurs, whether the EU is actually an organisation that’s working in their interests? The EU does not work for the benefit of the peoples of Europe, but in the interests of large multinational companies. Voting to leave is not just about regaining control of our economy and political destiny, but is the best moral option for Britain.
Views expressed are author's own and do not represent those of Knights Templar School or its staff.