rebeccajo

Why do a people who once thought they should rule the world, now think they would be better in isolation?

BritInParis

A more accurate, somewhat ironic, question would be why do a people who once ruled much of the world now don't like it when someone tries to do the same to them?

rebeccajo

I've heard it put that way. It's a very good question.

I guess I thought the intent of the EU was cooperation. Not about 'ruling'.

That's why my question is posed....differently. And I don't post it in a baiting way, either.

One of the things I've observed each time I have been in any part of the United Kingdom are the war memorials. Not the tiniest village doesn't have one. Usually in the heart of commerce, where all can see.

I've asked my husband if since the memorials are so plentiful, do the people just not see them anymore?

It's a serious, sad question.

not2old

Wait till Trump gets the nod for US presidency, then we know which way the UK referendum will go... just saying

verystormy

Sorry, we are not. We were but that was superseded by EU membership.

verystormy

It is not about being isolated. It is about the fact we joined a club that was one thing, but which has evolved into something very different. The thing it has evolved into is, in my opinion, lo longer in the UK interest to remain in.

I also think that if a number of other countries were given the same referendum there would be others voting to leave

BritInParis

We joined the European Community in 1974 and signed the Maastricht Treaty on 7 February 1992 which came into force on 1 November 1993.

The EEA Agreement wasn't signed until 2 May 1992 and it came into force on 1 January 1994.

I suspect you're thinking of EFTA which the UK was a member of from 1960 until 1973 when we joined the EC.

Tr1boy

I'm torn. Heart says OUT for sure.

Looking at bank my account and the exchange rate, head says IN.

curleytops

Hubby will counter you :P

Editha

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership - NHS Confederation

The NHS view appears to be that negotiations so far, to protect the NHS are going smoothly.

Personally, I have some qualms about TTIP, but I don't see any reason to regard it as a threat to the NHS. That is just scaremongering.

Perth

Really? How so? I don't see the connection.

Novocastrian

What you mean by "given"? Any of the 28 members of the EU are at liberty to conduct a national referendum any time they choose.

27 choose not be be so daft.

Perth

Whose idea was this anyway? If it was Cameron's how was this a good idea since he is in the remain camp? I have to say I am baffled by the whole thing

Novocastrian

Cameron was forced into promising a referendum in order to avoid a revolt from the most rabidly outdated wing of his own party.

Lion in Winter

This was one of my points on another, rather more contentious thread. There is much heated talk about "loss of sovereignty" but this entirely neglects the point of cooperation and community. Tbh, I don't so much see the EU as a matter of loss of sovereignty but of a sovereign nation willingly participating in a collaborative effort in order to gain community benefits that are not possible as a single nation. It is the international version of all UK citizens paying tax so that our country can afford common goods (NHS, paved roads, schools, etc. etc.) that would it not be possible to organize or have as individuals.

The advantages, or otherwise, of EU membership can certainly be debated but the whole loss of sovereignty thing is a bit of an emotive red herring.