THE UK like Switzerland? But Switzerland’s future in the EU free trade area is in doubt, following their 2014 referendum decision against freedom of movement.
The impact on areas such as science and innovation has already been huge. It’s very clear that the UK will not be allowed to pick and choose free trade with the EU without freedom of movement.
Never mind that this benefited UK citizens as well, with many now in limbo abroad; it’s fundamental to open markets. We can’t have it both ways, and it’s folly to believe those who say we can. The huge unhappiness tapped by the Leave campaign here is a result of inequality, austerity and being ignored by successive Westminster governments; not the EU, and not immigration.
Is the EU undemocratic? We vote for our MEPs using a more representative system than for MPs, and (with one obvious exception) they work hard for our interests in the EU. The commissioners are appointed by our national governments, for whom we also vote.The most likely option, when the dust settles, is a fudge where everything looks much the same, but we lose wealth and influence worldwide. We become a passenger in Europe where we should have been at the wheel.
ARTHUR LOVELL
Lytton Road, Oxford
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