Should We Stay Or Should We Go?

21 Jun 2016 96 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , , ,

All you Britons out there… Are you as confused as me?

I’m talking about that hot topic, the EU referendum. Should we leave or should we stay part of the EU?

Whenever the conversation arises, I really don’t know what to say…


It’s not because I don’t have anything to say… Come one, it’s Ritu here, I usually can’t shut up!

It’s more the fact that my opinions are so confused.

I’m fully aware that if we stay, and the borders to the UK remain open, the number of immigrants will continue to rise, and put more financial pressure on our governments.

But then, realistically. How many of those immigrants are draining our economy?

Working as I do as a teacher, I meet many immigrant families, and there are a handful who don’t work, are housed, and have everything paid for by the government. Many are good, hardworking young families who want the best for their children. 

I can’t forget that my parents came here as immigrants, as did all of my family, and we have all given back to the economy, possibly more than we’ve taken from it.

But then the flip side. The percentages showing crime rates,and the breakdown of nationalities currently in prison… And the numbers of people from countries who have recently got access to us… That tells a different story.

But them, immigration is not the only issue…

We are giving millions to the EU every week, and for the majority of us, we don’t really see where this money is going. It translates to money being poured down the drain, when we have national services, such as Healthcare, Education, the Police, the Military, facing huge, and often dangerous cuts.

Yet, if we leave, what will happen to the economy? Many say we will, as individuals , really suffer. Our pockets will immediately feel lighter, no one will want to trade with us. Shopping will become uber expensive, jobs will be on the line for those whose companies have strong links with other EU countries.

But if we stay, we will stay strong, and you don’t need to worry about the financial security you have now.

Hmmm…

 I know there are many more issues that are being debated, but Immigration and the Economy are the biggies.

Why can’t we be given a chance to vote for a remain, but only  if the EU are prepared to renegotiate certain blanket policies?

I don’t think closing the border will solve everything. We have enough of our own who do negative things, and sponge off the government, but if we could have more of a points system, like Canada and Australia, it would show willingness to take in new people, but also that we are not a soft touch country, and we want those to come here, who are willing to invest in the country with skills, not just get free education,  health care and benefits.

Yes I think the economy benefits for being with the EU, but maybe there needs to be leeway for us to have a say on certain policies and trading agreements…

If we stay, will they try and take the Royal Family away? (I do love the Queen!)

If we go, will travel to Europe become really hard, and more costly?

Only a few thoughts… I’m well confused!

So,the $100 million question…

Do we stay or do we go?

I haven’t a clue! Do you?

What are your thoughts?

96 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. cocosangel
    Jun 22, 2016 @ 20:13:23

    Well the EU referendum topic is discussed over here as well. But from a lot of the Brits whom I have spoken to, says that leaving is the best. The Brit government is trying their best to make people vote to “stay”. But that is for their satisfaction. Oh well!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Steve
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 21:09:25

    Here’s my thoughts https://youtu.be/10P_ybz5YTI

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. shirleyjdietz
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 19:15:29

    You are so right to be confused. The world is becoming more populated and more accessible so I don’t see how we are ever going to have an easy solution to the issue of immigration. People want to be near others who are somewhat like them and accept them. When that isn’t the case, they move for safety or better opportunity. Maybe all we can do individually is to love and be kind to our neighbors? Another subject, I am always amazed that you are able to check in on so many blogs – I see you in so many places. Thank you for your readership.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Writings Of A Single Girl
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 16:12:02

    The important thing is that you go out and vote Ritu! Lol. I tell everyone this no matter what the election or referendum. For the record not in the Uk (ireland) but I can see a lot of fear mongering being used to make people vote leave without discussing the other important issues too.
    When you say giving money to EU do you know how much they give back? I know projects in Ireland, for example roads etc will always have signs showing it’s part funded by the EU.
    Your travel would take longer because you would have to join the “Non EU citizens” lines etc.
    I think (with all referendums) the parties only discuss what they want you to know.
    I know Ireland are quite interested because it will have a knock on affect. I’ve heard people say it won’t make a difference while others say the borers between north/south will have to be put back up (because of the immigration problem everyone is so worried about). This will obviously put the clock back on all the progress between Ireland & England.
    I don’t think Ireland could afford to leave but then again England have the Sterling which is strong.
    So yeah, I’m not in England and I don’t get a vote but I would vote stay ha.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  5. Erika Kind
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 16:00:03

    I don’t know the particular situation of the UK so well. But things will become more difficult for sure, at least in the nearer future. And I am sure that life will be more expensive as well. But then again, that mustn’t be something to keep the British from going new ways…. if they want. Yes, that immigrant and refugee situation. Every country in the EU seems to be an open house so far and that can cause even more problems then solve them. I think basically it is great that the EU unites Europe but there have to be made changes in the policy!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  6. jacquelineobyikocha
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 15:04:19

    Honestly, it’s a tough decision to make. I’ve listened to various sides of the argument on CNN and literally got a headache. I hope England chooses right.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  7. LindaGHill
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 14:24:15

    In November 2009 we had a referendum in Quebec whether or not to separate from Canada. For me, it was a no-brainer. We had to stay. Without the backing of the Canadian government, our economy would have collapsed. The fear among native Quebecers was that there were too many English people coming in, taking away their culture, taking their jobs… The vote came down to 51% stay and 49% leave.. I’m glad I voted.
    As with the US election, there is a lot of rhetoric and fear-mongering going on. My feeling (and I could be wrong) is that if you stay, your government will take it as a vote of faith that they can improve the situation(s) plaguing the economy and do more to monitor immigration. It’s what happened in Quebec, anyway. The separatists will still be out there, calling for reform.
    Best of luck with it, Ritu.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  8. davidprosser
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 14:22:25

    I’m a Brexit voter Ritu and I promise I don’t have another agenda. I know that immigration will continue, and it needs to as this Country survives on it’s diversity. But the difference will be that maybe we can be more selective about who comes, who can self support and not be a drain on the economy when they arrive and who has something to offer the Country. If as some say Turkey will join the EU sooner rather than later despite their terrible human rights record we’ll be able to refuse entry to the criminals who have said they want to come here.This will never affect genuine refugees of course.
    Trade will go on, the Germans would not want to lose such a large market for their cars and concessions will have to be made but we will also be free to strike up trade deals with the rest of the world.
    We cannot be asked to subsidise any country which fails within the EU as Greece did. We no longer need subsidise the monthly removal charges for moving the Parliament to Strasburg at £2m for moving lock stock and barrel for a few days. We can’t save that money because the French won’t allow it.
    No more paying out own Euro MP’s vast sums for expenses.
    Of the £190m we pay the EU weekly we get less than half back. I’d rather see the whole of that spent on hospitals and education.
    As someone else says, go with your gut. No one will like you less for voting differently from them.
    Huge Hugs

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. Trackback: The EU Referendum - In or Out? - Edwina's Episodes

  10. Judy Martin
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 13:46:03

    I have already voted Sis as I do mine by post. It was a really difficult decision to make. I agree that immigration and the economy are biggies, but for me, the NHS was a huge deciding factor too. We cannot go on as we are now. There is much scaremongering going on as to what would happen if we were to leave the EU.

    Nobody really knows what would happen, we seemed to have managed ok before. The world has changed immensely since the 1970s when we joined the common market as it was, and quite frankly, I am fed up with others deciding that our bananas are too bent, and other such nonsense! I also happen to be proud of being British, and don’t want to us to lose our currency or identity which I am sure will happen eventually! I do not usually get involved in discussing politics but this is a very important issue, and we are given very conflicting information, so it is no wonder we are all confused! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  11. vanbytheriver
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 13:05:29

    I feel your pain, Ritu, and the world will be watching you all this week. At least for us, it will divert attention from Trump for a few days. ☺ And also, that our Senate voted down all 4 proposed gun reform bills yesterday. sigh…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. The Storyteller
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 12:51:12

    Immigration will always exist, whether we remain in the EU or not. There are still people who come to the UK from outside of the EU anyway. It may be because I’m still young and am still in education but in my opinion, immigration isn’t always a bad thing, especially like you said when most of the time these people are not law breakers. I also think that, especially in schools, people can learn from a young age how to integrate with others and maybe it’s just me being optimistic, but children can learn to be more accepting of those of different backgrounds to themselves. I think staying in the EU is the safer option because at least we will know that things won’t change to dramatically in the near future. As for the money we send to the EU, we do also get a lot of that money back, so it’s not like it’s not being used for the UK! I am also a keen traveller, and I want to travel as soon as I have enough money to, and I worry that if we leave the EU, then the rest of the world will have a negative opinion of the UK so what will it be like for those of us who want to see the world? How will Europe see the British if we leave? All I can imagine is uncomfortable tension.
    Sorry, that wasn’t meant to turn into a rant! 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  13. Bun Karyudo
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 12:24:52

    I don’t think there’s any chance of Europe trying to take the Queen away. They have no reason to want to, so at least on that score, I’m certain you’re quite safe. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  14. The V Pub
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 12:21:43

    I often wonder about the immigration issue and I’m conflicted by it. On one hand, I’m convinced that we’re all very good people with lots to offer. On the other hand, I do value national identity and I think differences are good, just like different flavors are good. I think that we need to find ways to keep our national identity, while also being good neighbors, welcoming in good people. Perhaps the saying ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans’ would make immigration more appealing to those opposed to it. As far as staying or leaving the EU, I can’t speak to the issues at hand, but I wish the best for my friends in the UK (and EU) and hope that all is resolved with everyone’s best interest in mind.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  15. Trackback: Walk out Backwards, So I’ll think you’re Walking in, that referendum | Postcard from a Pigeon

  16. Dermott Hayes
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 10:35:09

    The British never really grasped the notion of ‘Europe’, partly, I suspect, because the Britain First nostalgia brigade were peeved at deGaulle’s active efforts to exclude them, right up to 1973, when they joined. The concept of a united Europe is a good one, if it prevents wars and fulfills its democratic ideals. (you there, in the back, stop sniggering). In truth, it is probably just another building block in the world bankers’ New World Order plan but, as Robbie Burns wrote, the best laid schemes of mice and man, gang aft, aglee, meaning, no matter what someone else has planned for it, the only change can happen when we’re all involved, Britain included.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. TanGental
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 10:34:21

    At bottom we shouldn’t be having a referendum on something as multifaceted as the EU membership. As you point out the topics under discussion are wide ranging. Even saying it’s about the economy hides a multitude of issues. Farming, manufacturing, international services etc. I think this is a topic where Parliament, for all its failings is best placed to decide and the Tory expedient of trying to pacify some of its wild members by offering a referendum was stupid and an utter nonsense. However here we are, on the cusp of a gamble whichever way we go. The simplistic idea that to remain means more of the same is, historically, nonsensical. The mass migrations at present will change the dynamic for us all, in or out so I doubt the EU will look anything like today in five years. Of course the uncertainties of leaving are even more unknowable and for that reason I’ll go with the stupid structure we have today rather than rely on our politicians to come up with something better. If the best they can manage when seeking to tax Apple is a ten year bill of £300 million goodness knows what they’ll do trying to negotiate a trade deal. And Ritu, forget the heart; vote with your gut. What makes you feel the most queasy and go with the least nauseous option.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  18. pensitivity101
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 10:32:29

    Immigration, funding, Brussels controlling our finances, pension pots to be re-evaluated by powers abroad, jobs, cheap labour, everything is valid. Sure if we leave it will be a difficult transition period, and the EU will make it as awkward and complicated in the interim. If we stay we become an extension of something else losing our independence and sovereignty. Tough call. Difficult times to eventually rise above, or a bad situation continually getting worse. My opinion of course.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  19. ladyleemanila
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 09:42:42

    We pay a net of £190 million (not actually that much) to the EU per week and get a huge boost to our economy as a result.
    If we leave we’d still need to be part of the single market, and so would have to abide by EU regulations anyway.
    Being part of the single market requires freedom of movement – leaving would likely produce no change to EU immigration.

    -Leaving the EU would be economic suicide, as the pound would be hugely damaged.

    Vote with your heart, Ritu 🙂 I’m for REMAIN!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 21, 2016 @ 10:07:31

      It just amazes me how many ‘ordinary’ folk are being led to think that this is all about borders, not the bigger picture!
      I think I am a Remain Voter too! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Chris White
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 08:58:32

    It is frustrating that the stay/leave debate has generally been so poorly presented.
    Panic-mongering and distorting statistics have been the tactics.I would like to remain. If we leave I think that other member countries may well not take kindly to us economically. It will be interesting to see what the turnout will be voter-wise.
    Also … a Leave vote may not be auctioned anyway.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  21. stevetanham
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 08:23:09

    Vote with your heart, Ritu! The origins and purpose of the EU are noble and worth supporting. So many lies are told about the ‘overheads’ if the EU, whereas the Americans actually envy its efficiency. Spiritually, we cannot afford to indulge the little Englanders, we should, in my opinion, embrace our natural leadership as the most successful country in Europe and get on with leading it with sense and restraint.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  22. Ruth
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 08:21:25

    Part of the trouble for me is, very few of us ordinary non-political peeps really know or understand how the EU works beyond hearing all the contradictory scaremongering stories from both sides, so many of us have actually got no clear idea about what we’re truly voting on – in my opinion, the whole referendum has been a bit of a farce, whatever the result on Thursday… 😦

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  23. Al Lane
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 08:14:55

    I am firmly in the Remain camp.

    It is telling that the things that you mention above as being confusing are actually a result of the lies and misinformation pouring out of the Leave propaganda, that have been running unchecked for some time now. (And the BBC, in their attempt to remain impartial, are allowing these to be parroted without challenge.) Immigration is an issue, but leaving the EU will NOT solve the numbers of high immigration – half of the 350,000 immigrants per year currently entering the UK come from outside the EU anyway. Plus, if we want to continue trading with Europe, and reaping the benefits of the single market, we will need to allow freedom of movement within the EU. Germany has been clear this is non-negotiable.

    As for the economy, yes there is a cost to staying in the EU, but it is far less than the £350m a week figure that’s been bandied about by Leavers… they know it’s a lie. The actual amount is equivalent to a penny in the pound of government spending – small beer when you consider the boost to the economy in return. It’s good value by any standard.

    The EU’s not perfect, by any stretch, but leaving would see us saddled with complying with all those regulations and ideas like freedom of movement to continue receiving access to the single market (not to mention a huge financial charge for doing so), without any say in how it ran… an even worse deal than we currently have!

    If you look at all of the organisations advising against leaving – from the IMF, to President Obama – and then look at those handful wanting out – mostly right-wing politicians – I think anyone wavering needs to consider which side of the divide they would rather be on, on any issue!

    (Soapbox going away now 🙂 )

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

  24. Santosh Namby
    Jun 21, 2016 @ 08:05:01

    Ritu, whether you stay or leave the EU, the problem of immigration can never be solved. As you have said, most immigrants are good, hard-working people, probably more productive than the natives, however, it is always a few bad apples who always mess things up. That said, maybe the EU needs to wake up and take stock and see the reasons why Britain, and later maybe other countries are fed up with it…..

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

My interactive peeps!