Britain Debating Leaving the European Union

[Supersonic]

I'm very much split on this. While I would like to see greater repatriation of powers from the EU to national governments, specifically the UK's, I do worry about our future outside of the European Union. There is often a 'little Englander' attitude that UKIP often portrays, saying that the Commonwealth and our old Empire will replace Europe as our trading partners. However, in the 21st century, the very idea that Canada, Australia, South Africa etc will solely keep our economy afloat due to 'cultural links' I feel is somewhat nostalgic. At the end of the day, the best I think we can hope for is an EFTA style scenario where we are 'out' of the EU but remain in the single market, although I'm not sure Germany and France would be willing to accept this.

The secessionists have reason for encouragement though, as Labour and increasingly more-so, left wing voters turn against the EU due to the perception of it 'forcing austerity' on countries a-la, Greece, Italy, Spain etc. Of course, socialists and 'old Labour' supporters were anti-European anyway.