The British Prime Minister David Cameron recently announced that the referendum (vote) on Britain’s membership of the European Union (EU) will take place on 23rd June, 2016 to decide on whether the nation should remain a part of the European Union or exit the bloc (hence the term Brexit). Understanding Britain’s referendum on its EU membership can be important for your upcoming competitive exams.

Therefore, in this article we will discuss the basic aspects of the UK’s referendum on EU, its pros and cons and how it will shape the future of Britain’s relationship with the EU.

Background:

When British Prime Minister David Cameron was voted to power in 2015, he committed to renegotiate Britain’s position in the EU and hold an In-Out referendum on this issue. Therefore, he has decided to conduct the In-Out vote on 23rd June.

EU – a 28-nation alliance

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic bloc with 28 member countries. It was established after World War II to promote greater economic ties between European countries and prevent the reoccurrence of war and its socio-economic aftereffects. Since its establishment, the EU has developed into a ‘single market’ permitting free flow of goods, services and people. It has its own currency (euro), parliament and laws.

Brits to cast the deciding vote

*   A referendum refers to a vote cast by the electorate (people of voting age) to decide a political issue directly referred to them. UK’s referendum on the EU  will ask British voters to decide on the question,  “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the     European Union or leave the European Union?” Options for their response include remain a member/leave the EU.

*  Those eligible to vote include British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens who are over 18 years of age and live in UK. In addition, citizens of Malta and Cyprus and UK citizens who have bee residing overseas for less than 15 years can also vote.

Arguments against Brexit

1.  Those in support of the UK remaining a part of the  EU argue that the country will be stronger, safer and better-off in the Union than it would be outside it.

2. Some argue that 45% of UK’s trade goes to the EU. Thus, being a part of it helps to avoid export tariffs and red tape. EU regulations condense 28 national standards into one European standard, thereby cutting down red tape and promoting business. Cheaper flight rates, lower tariffs on call while  travelling and cheaper prices of commodities are  added benefits Britain enjoys by being an EU   member.

3. Many contend that the benefits outweigh the cost of being a non-member. As per the Confederation of British Industries, “All the trade, investment, jobs and other prices that come from our economic partnership with Europe is worth £3,000 per year to     each household.” However, the annual contribution of the UK to the EU stood at £340 for each household.

4. Supporters of the UK’s membership in the EU assert that it enhances cooperation and the ability to tackle global issues. According to Will Straw, executive director of Britain Stronger in Europe, “The UK and Scottish governments’ efforts to wipe out the Ebola virus were boosted by EU funding. And the EU has       imposed sanctions on Russia and beaten piracy off       the Horn of Africa, both priorities for us in the UK.”

Arguments in favour of Brexit

1.  Those who wish for the UK to exit the EU see the  referendum as an opportunity to liberate the country’s business and trade from the political and financial bottlenecks of the bloc. Leading English           weekly The Economist writes, “It can secure trade  deals with other important countries such as China, India and America.”

2. Britain contributes £350 million to the EU every week, which is equivalent to half of England’s schoolbudget. If UK opts out of the Union it may be able to use the same amount to develop new industries and promote scientific research within the nation. 

3. Supporters of Brexit also state that the UK has little influence in the EU. Thus, from outside it can retake seats on international institutions and strongly  influence free trade and cooperation.

4. Many also feel that the withdrawal of membership will help Britain to regulate its policy on immigration. In this regard, the Vote Leave campaign website states, “Having a sensible regime for the movement of people that allows us to replace the awful immigration policy we have now-a combination of an open door for low-skilled labour and convicted criminals from the EU while simultaneously stopping highly skilled people from outside the EU coming to the UK to contribute.”

Conclusion:

Presently, most of the opinion polls on this subject reflect that public opinion in Britain is balanced. The European migrant crisis and global financial instability has driven many to support Brexit. However, the final decision hangs on the results of the referendum that will be held on June 2016.

Dear PaGaLGuY readers, current affairs forms an important component of several competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC-CGL, Bank PO & PSU entrance tests, etc. New initiatives and socio-economic policies or what are known as flagship programmes announced by the Union government and State governments are often asked in competitive examinations. Therefore, understanding new initiatives, terms/concepts that make news is critical for aspirants.

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