This week, we talk about the debate that has been the out and about for several years – UK leaving the EU. The truth of the matter is there are pros and cons in every decision and of course, there’s no exception in this case.
Euro-sceptics are people who think that UK is better off outside the political and economic bloc of the EU. However, since the the announcement in January 2013 of a proposed referendum on continued membership, more business and political leaders have expressed their opposition to the idea. Since 2010, most opinion polls have favoured a British withdrawal, with opposition peaking in November 2012 at 56% compared to 30% who wanted to remain. But in January 2013, David Cameron intends to argue for Britain to remain in the European Union.
I, for once in very few occasions, agree with his intention. Last week, on every newspaper, there was the headline of Nissan boss warning UK over existing the EU. Nissan said it would reconsider its investment in the UK if Britain was to leave the European Union. Mr Ghosn, CEO of Nissan was visiting Sunderland for the launch of the company’s new Qashqai model, which will be built there. Praising the Sunderland plant, Mr Ghosn said it was one of the most productive in Europe and said Nissan was “blessed” to own it. This is not the first time that Mr Ghosn has linked Nissan’s UK investment to the country’s role within the EU. In October 2002, he told the BBC News website that the Sunderland plant’s future would depend on whether the UK adopted the euro. Although, until now, Nissan still stays with the UK and uses its pounds.
In my point of view, Mr Ghosn is being totally logical. The same arguments apply to Scotland leaving the UK and the UK leaving the EU. Both would be a serious error. Large trading and free labour movement areas are critical to compete with the US, China, Russia & Japan. To say that leaving EU benefits the UK is a bit crazy. Many reasons for EU exit, but definitely not for the money. Globalisation needs more countries to form trade/political alliances, so that big corps can benefit from such agreements. These are where jobs come from, so unless we want to do cheap labour manufacturing again, we stay with EU. His judgement is based on sound commercial principles. If the UK leaves the EU Nissan will find it more difficult to export its cars, so it would make more sense to move factories inside the EU.
So what do you think? Are you for or against the idea of UK leaving the EU?
Subscribe to Alisa L's posts
UK leaving the EU could only benefit the UK in the long run. However, there will be adverse affects to the European Union. In my opinion, the UK should do as it pleases to benefit itself.