[MTVN]

I'd prefer we were more like Switzerland (I think we could learn a lot from the Swiss actually), founder of the European Free Trade Association, and has good relations with Europe but it doesnt entail itself in the EU

[joeysteele]

I voted yes to the question on this thread above to remaining in the EU, but I think there should be attempts to re-negotiate a lot of what we signed up to.

I also think its time to have a new referendum on Europe as to whether we stay in or come out, a decision for the people to make binding on the govt..
I was reading a book on the last referendum held in the 70s and that was more a trading concern as a member of the European community.
Things have changed massively since then.

To the comments of why should the Republic of Ireland remain an island on its own and not be part of the UK, why on earth should they be part of the UK, 1) they wouldn't want to be anyway and 2) who can blame them for that.

[Niall]

Yes we should remain a part of the EU.

Though many forget, the economic benefits of the EU outweigh the detriments, for instance if we were to leave the EU then we would have to still have to comply with EU trading laws if we wish to trade with them still and we would have no say in what those laws were anymore. Being part of the EU also makes it easier for us to trade with nations on the continent.

Secondly, being part of the EU makes it so easy to travel around the continent. Moving from country to country has never been easier - we'd love all that if we were to leave.

[Jords]

Yeeee.

[bananarama]

The EU is by no means perfect. Nothing political involving many types of politics can ever be perfect.

That's no reason to leave it. Unfortunately those that are rather stupid or unscrupulous in politics love to use the EU as a scape goat for Britains problems......Nothing could be further from the truth. Britains problems are caused by British polititions and indeed many British people who love to jump on unintelligent "ANTI" this or that bandwagons

[Judas]

I basically agree with most of what Shaun said, apart from the end bit. (There has never been, and I predict in the next 10 years atleast, never will be, a referendum on switching to the euro).

For the time being I feel that keeping our currencies seperate is a good idea, and my views on that matter are unlikely to change in looking at the current climate. However, I think every other part of the EU benefits us as a nation. I don't think our sovereignty is being challenged, and even if it were to be, I feel that we would still be able to withdraw this challenge to our powers easily, as the EU would be unlikely to act against these measures.

[Angus]

Originally Posted by Judas

I basically agree with most of what Shaun said, apart from the end bit. (There has never been, and I predict in the next 10 years atleast, never will be, a referendum on switching to the euro).

For the time being I feel that keeping our currencies seperate is a good idea, and my views on that matter are unlikely to change in looking at the current climate. However, I think every other part of the EU benefits us as a nation. I don't think our sovereignty is being challenged, and even if it were to be, I feel that we would still be able to withdraw this challenge to our powers easily, as the EU would be unlikely to act against these measures.

Our sovereignty has already been drastically eroded, with unelected European judges imposing legislation that contradicts and over-rides our own Laws. It is one thing for the EU to be involved in our economic affairs, and quite another for it to be involved in our legislative and judicial affairs. I sincerely hope that the Government makes a stand against the ever encroaching, unwanted influence of the EU on our freedom to self determine, and self govern, unlike the last lot who just rolled over without a murmur.

Thank goodness we have retained our own currency, but I'm sick to death of us having to contribute to the bailing out of countries that have failed with the Euro - Greece, Eire, and now Portugal.

[Liberty4eva]

I see many people from the UK are starting to love their chains and couldn't envision living without them. The EU taking over your country is probably the most important issue the UK faces. You should get out while you still can.

[Shasown]

Originally Posted by Liberty4eva

I see many people from the UK are starting to love their chains and couldn't envision living without them. The EU taking over your country is probably the most important issue the UK faces. You should get out while you still can.

Where to? The North American Union, with you, Mexico and Canada, where we can happily spend our Ameros? Out of the frying pan into the fire.

[Judas]

Originally Posted by angus58

Our sovereignty has already been drastically eroded, with unelected European judges imposing legislation that contradicts and over-rides our own Laws. It is one thing for the EU to be involved in our economic affairs, and quite another for it to be involved in our legislative and judicial affairs. I sincerely hope that the Government makes a stand against the ever encroaching, unwanted influence of the EU on our freedom to self determine, and self govern, unlike the last lot who just rolled over without a murmur.

That post read like a Daily Mail text book. They would be very proud. Anyway, I won't argue the obvious comebacks, but surely if the judges were elected it would be abit pointless? That would just allow you to raise more concern...

[Stu]

Originally Posted by Judas

That post read like a Daily Mail text book. They would be very proud. Anyway, I won't argue the obvious comebacks, but surely if the judges were elected it would be abit pointless? That would just allow you to raise more concern...

Why don't you just go to Paris where you can have all the gay sex with Muzzies you want you filthy liberal dog.

[letmein]

Originally Posted by Stu

Why don't you just go to Paris where you can have all the gay sex with Muzzies you want you filthy liberal dog.

First time I ever flagged a post.

[Judas]

Originally Posted by Stu

Why don't you just go to Paris where you can have all the gay sex with Muzzies you want you filthy liberal dog.

Angus will agree with this.

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by angus58

Our sovereignty has already been drastically eroded, with unelected European judges imposing legislation that contradicts and over-rides our own Laws. It is one thing for the EU to be involved in our economic affairs, and quite another for it to be involved in our legislative and judicial affairs. I sincerely hope that the Government makes a stand against the ever encroaching, unwanted influence of the EU on our freedom to self determine, and self govern, unlike the last lot who just rolled over without a murmur.

Thank goodness we have retained our own currency, but I'm sick to death of us having to contribute to the bailing out of countries that have failed with the Euro - Greece, Eire, and now Portugal.

I agree on keeping our own currency in particular, although I believe it is certainly the aim of the Lib Dems to have the Euro and that its also the long term plan of the Tories too.
We would have had it now if in the early 90s after we joined the ERM that had that venture been successful, the next step would have been to adopt the Euro.

Labour also wnated the Euro under Tony Blair,he was ready to go for it for the UK, but Gordon Brown as Chancellor blocked him doing so, one of the good things Brown actually did.

If the terms and time was right I still believe a UK govt will do it eventually,finding a way to do so without a binding referendum from the people.

[Stu]

Originally Posted by letmein

First time I ever flagged a post.

It's a shame you didn't pick up on the fact that it was sarcasm then isin't it, champ.