Britain and the EU

[nikonman]

For a start this post is not ment to be pro or anti EU

I just wondered if someone could help me out with some of the straight economic facts of the UK being a member.

Can someone hopefully say how much does it costs the UK both for and against.

I expect we have all seen the UKIP anti EU propaganda, and I wonder how much of that is true.
Unfortunately we never seem to see the other side of the picture.
For a start I am lead to beleive that many of the foreign companies who have set up in the UK creating jobs, would not do so if we were not in the EU.

If the UK were to put out of Europe how much would it cost the country in terms of jobs and finance?.

Ps.
I expect David and others will have the answers both for and against.

[jimslip]

Yes I am sure all your questions are about to be answered!!teacher!

[Essex Lad]

A few points:

The cost to the country would not be that great because if we pulled out we would still trade with the EU. We buy far more of their goods than they do of ours so they would be cutting their throats if they stopped that trade.

In addition, all goods and products made here must conform to (often daft) EU regulations even if they are being sold to Australia. It would save money and red tape if only EU-bound goods were made to EU standards.

There has never been a cost analysis done of EU membership because the great and the good think its benefits are so obvious to everyone. More likely is the realisation that if one was ever done, it would lead to calls from almost everyone to leave the EU immediately.

[David Johnson]

Jimbo,

You would be the ideal man to provide a cost benefit analysis of UK involvement in the EU. After all, you live in two EU countries AND you have recently spent your hols in Greece playing your well known part of Victor Meldrewopolis.

So a well travelled man like yourself would be well placed. As for me, I have never been outside Blackpool apart from one day when I got a charabang to Preston market.

I await your findings with interest.

!wink!

D

[max_tranmere]

I saw Newsnight last week, Thursday night I think, and there was a debate about the EU gravy train. It mentioned that Nigel Farage, the UKIP leader, who was not there, had recently mentioned that he has trousered over ?1 million (yes, over one million pounds!) in expenses during recent times. Even the lot who claim to want us out cash-in!

[Robches]

Max:

I saw this too, and as you say, Farage was not there to defend himself. I assume that his expenses were for running his office, travel, etc, and were legitimate, or he would hardly have mentioned them. What made me sick was the person making this snide remark was Denis McShane MP, who has been kicked out of the Labour Party for...fiddling his expenses. These cunts literally do not know the meaning of the word shame!

[David Johnson]

There is an enormous difference in how EU expenses work compared to House of Commons expenses.

Unless they have changed the process in the last couple of years, expenses claimed for EU work are UNRECEIPTED. Gravy train or what?

Cleggie was questioned as to whether he used EU accommodation expenses to help buy his house in Brussels which he then sold at a huge profit during his time at an MEP.

He was less than forthright in his explanation.

Cheers
D

[bernard72]

But still Johnson will not have a go at a labour mp.
Wanker.

[bernard72]

There is an enormous difference in how EU expenses work compared to House of Commons expenses.
Yes just ask the Kinnocks.
They fuckin love the EU now.

[Essex Lad]

They HAVE to love the EU. One aspect of receiving an EU pension is that you are not allowed to criticise the EU.