Poll - what would you like the UK to do re membership of the EU?

[Pavilionaire]

I voted "stay in but renegotiate our position", but this would be very much from the point of view of being a willing partner and being seen to want to make it work.

I wouldn't be surprised if this feeling was shared by more of the electorate than those that simply want out.

"Renegotiate our position" is a naïve notion. Even if the UK were successful in, say, being able to override EU rules on immigrants from the former Communist countries that would simply pass the problem on to other countries like France and Germany. Similarly, if they continue to struggle then so will our economy.

I think we need to work with other EU countries to address the problem of mass emigration from Romania and Bulgaria. It is a problem not just for us but for a number of countries in Western Europe.

This "I'm alright Jack" mentality within the EU has to stop. Spain, Italy, Greece all have huge problem with illegal immigrants too.

 

[GT49er]

What is there to renegotiate? The things that need to be changed would be classified as non-negotiable by the Germans, certainly, plus the rest of the 'rump' of the EU (that's been there from the start).

Of course, slippery Dave has no intention of taking us out of the EU - there will be a massive spin on 'concessions' negotiated, which won't really be any sort of concession at all (like the massive 'rebate' he negotiated, which was due anyway) and I suspect the vote 'Yes' campaign will be as dirty as it was in 1975, with all opponents being branded as either fascist racists, or alternatively loony left commie socialists (and yes, that's what did happen in 1975; I was there).

Just let's have a vote with no fake 'renegotiations' and get the hell out!

 

[Triggaaar]

I wouldn't be surprised if this feeling was shared by more of the electorate than those that simply want out.

"Renegotiate our position" is a naïve notion. Even if the UK were successful in, say, being able to override EU rules on immigrants from the former Communist countries that would simply pass the problem on to other countries like France and Germany. Similarly, if they continue to struggle then so will our economy.

I think we need to work with other EU countries to address the problem of mass emigration from Romania and Bulgaria. It is a problem not just for us but for a number of countries in Western Europe.

This "I'm alright Jack" mentality within the EU has to stop. Spain, Italy, Greece all have huge problem with illegal immigrants too.

You know that there's more to the EU than immigration, right? "Renegotiate our position" can be about anything, and not necessarily about immigration.

 

[kevo]

I'd like us to be a strong force within the EU. This means NOT voting for UKIP - they are not interested. Farage's attendance and voting record is absolutely appalling (far worse than any MEP for any of the other parties). For all his rhetoric about the EU, he couldn't care less - much more interested in pocketing his wage for being an MEP without actually participating in the European Parliament on any of the issues that affect the UK. Have a think about that before you vote for UKIP in the hope "they'll do something about Europe" (whatever that may mean).

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I voted "stay in but renegotiate our position", but this would be very much from the point of view of being a willing partner and being seen to want to make it work.

Sadly, the mentality of most Brits is too territorial and not cooperative. Can't see the UK ever being a willing partner.

 

[GT49er]

I'd like us to be a strong force within the EU. This means NOT voting for UKIP - they are not interested. Farage's attendance and voting record is absolutely appalling (far worse than any MEP for any of the other parties). For all his rhetoric about the EU, he couldn't care less - much more interested in pocketing his wage for being an MEP without actually participating in the European Parliament on any of the issues that affect the UK. Have a think about that before you vote for UKIP in the hope "they'll do something about Europe" (whatever that may mean).

A little bit of research beyond you, is it? Or perhaps you're just happy spouting rubbish which you think supports your point of view, without it having any basis in fact. Read on:

It says more about you that you don't understand this situation.

He is anti, the European Soviet, He flatly refuses to take part in minor European debates due to the expense to the tax payer. He attends the compulsory voting forums and takes the generous day payments to "repatriate" the money back to the UK.. This money is split between a national charity and UKIP coffers, which is against EU regulations. The EU has yet to suspend him over this. Good on him!

He was democratically elected.
His electoral mandate (clearly put to his constituents) was to work against the interests of institution he is elected too.
He will take the money from the institution to pay for his party's work in democratically acting against its interests.
He will not take an active part in its mechanics because he does not recognise its legitimacy over national interests (UK or otherwise).
His constituents understand all of this................so who is being misled?

Do you consider that Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein are equally not representing their constituents interests despite their democratic mandate?

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Leave. We never voted for the European Union, we should not be in it.

This argument will be put to bed this Thursday. You want out, vote UKIP, you want to stay in on renegotiated terms vote Tory, want to stay in vote Labour or Lib. A nice range of options there, something for most people.

 

[goldstone]

I voted to leave. The ONLY basis we should stay is that the EU reverts to being a common market (no more) which is what we initially joined.

 

[GT49er]

I voted to leave. The ONLY basis we should stay is that the EU reverts to being a common market (no more) which is what we initially joined.

The ONLY democratic choice we've ever been given over Europe.

 

[Westdene Seagull]

This argument will be put to bed this Thursday. You want out, vote UKIP, you want to stay in on renegotiated terms vote Tory, want to stay in vote Labour or Lib. A nice range of options there, something for most people.

Oh come on, everyone voting Labour doesn't agree with staying in. Likewise everyone voting Tory doesn't agree with possibly leaving. People vote on other issues. It's over simplistic to say everyone votes according to their views on the EU - strangely it's an argument only ever put forward by the pro-EU lobby. I'd be more concerned that Labour don't want the electorate to have their say on the subject .... how undemocratic of them. Then again, they have a really good record of downright lying about EU referendums.

 

[Wellesley]

Sadly, the mentality of most Brits is too territorial and not cooperative. Can't see the UK ever being a willing partner.

Oh yes, you are right. If only we'd been more cooperative with the Germans throughout history, the world would be a wonderful place.

 

[Brovion]

None of them. I'd like us to work to reshape the EU itself as the institution is clearly not working. I'm not anti-European but the lack of transparency, the poor financial controls and the unwieldy structure are damaging the concept of the European Union (and that's before we mention the agriculture, fishing and industrial policies).

There are many politicians inside the EU who think that the organisation is in need of an overhaul and would be natural allies for us. Sadly, we've been saddled with a leader who thinks the way to work with other European countries is to insult and belittle them, thus limiting any hope of reform

I agree. However the alternative to Cameron are leaders who think the EU is great and doesn't really need reform or that EU reform is not a major issue. We're between the devil and the deep blue sea in that respect.

Frankly I don't think reform is possible. Our chief hope is that the nationalistic elements within the EU eventually pull it to pieces, then we can start again. No, I'm not holding my breath.

 

[portslade seagull]

Try renegotiation first to see what can be achieved but a vote will be required to put this to bed I'm afraid

 

[Murray 17]

It's open borders for EU member citizens, not migrants/asylum seekers. We still have control over our borders on these people, unlike what UKIP would like to make people think.

What do you think will happen if Labour win on Thursday (God help us)? We will start to take hundreds of asylum seekers, which will turn into thousands when word gets round. So in effect it would be open borders.

 

[Westdene Seagull]

I always find it really strange when people thumb down but then don't add their opinion to a debate to explain why they disagree. So come on [MENTION=1205]keitho54[/MENTION] join the debate rather than just thumbing down, it will add to your massive 80 posts in almost 12 years !

 

[Questions]

By the way, what are we supposed to be re-negotiating ? Is it just immigration and lowering it.?

 

[Juror#13]

Says it how he sees it unlike the other gimps.

[yt]NTwOap7ohc4[/yt]

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

Says it how he sees it unlike the other gimps.

[yt]NTwOap7ohc4[/yt]

..... And he's usually wrong.

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

I wouldn't be surprised if this feeling was shared by more of the electorate than those that simply want out.

"Renegotiate our position" is a naïve notion. Even if the UK were successful in, say, being able to override EU rules on immigrants from the former Communist countries that would simply pass the problem on to other countries like France and Germany. Similarly, if they continue to struggle then so will our economy.

I think we need to work with other EU countries to address the problem of mass emigration from Romania and Bulgaria. It is a problem not just for us but for a number of countries in Western Europe.

This "I'm alright Jack" mentality within the EU has to stop. Spain, Italy, Greece all have huge problem with illegal immigrants too.

Agree entirely.

 

[glasfryn]

I always find it really strange when people thumb down but then don't add their opinion to a debate to explain why they disagree. So come on @keitho54 join the debate rather than just thumbing down, it will add to your massive 80 posts in almost 12 years !

I always get the thumbs down from Albion 1972 with no comments