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Introduction to this EU Blog

What a complex and unpredictable question we all have before us in the form of the EU Referendum...

There is a total divide between those who have already committed themselves to one side or another.  Daily, we read claims that are completely unsupported by facts from both sides about post referendum life. These cover such a wide range of issues that it is simply impossible to access consistently reliable facts to inform the debate in a balanced way.

I, for myself, have prospered by going out and grabbing opportunities on my own account, and am naturally of an independent mind. Others prefer to operate en masse, and may tend towards accepting the status quo.

But, unfortunately, there is no status quo.

Britain Stronger in Europe claims untold risks of the unknown if we leave.  However, the EU community is in such a febrile state that many of the same arguments can be used about the vagaries of our prospects should the UK remain in the EU. Many of their arguments are based on everything bad happening to us Brits, whilst ignoring the reciprocal bad effect on all of those in other EU states. Indeed, if such calamity faces us in every aspect of life should we leave the EU, then how on earth could David Cameron have been so irresponsible to propose an in/out referendum in the first place?

For those who have spent much time dwelling on the issues, neither school of thought is likely to change their minds between now and June.  However, I believe that there are many who now realise the importance of spending more time addressing the various issues in depth, rather than relying on a superficial understanding of the balance between the arguments. I find that many people who say that they would remain (along the lines of the status quo argument), when questioned on the detail of individual issues, then move into the undecided camp.

So, having spent much time over recent years thinking about the various issues, and finding that I am often asked about my views on the in/out question, I have decided to run a blog outlining my thoughts on the various issues. Here is a list of these, which of course is not exhaustive, not necessarily in the same order as my forthcoming blog postings and which may well be added to.

  1. The background to David Cameron’s negotiations and their outcome, compared to the rationale of his Bloomberg speech

  2. The conflict between needs of Eurozone and non-Eurozone members

  3. Sovereignty issues

  4. Economic and trade implications for Brexit/Remain

  5. Security and foreign policy issues

  6. Migration implications

  7. The approach of Britain Stronger in Europe compared with VoteLeave, and who supports each

I aim to keep new postings going on a frequent basis, with a mixture of articles diluted by brief comments.

It is fair to admit from the start that I myself am an Outer, but I will do my best to refrain from hyperbole in my support for leaving, and will try to offer objective arguments to support my case, whilst acknowledging any weaknesses I see in the Out arguments.

I have no idea how wide the distribution of this may go, but I would ask if, where recipients have contrary arguments to mine, that such arguments are initially put to me by private email, in order that I may subsequently publish their case along with my considered response.

You may already have had enough of the whole thing, you may have your own firm views and are not interested in my thoughts but, as I believe that this is the most important vote in our lifetime, I see no harm in trying to stimulate debate.