Given Britain's attitude to the European Union, was it a mistake to accept its application?

Question

Serious answers please!

Answer 1

I don't think that anyone could possibly argue that the net benefits are outweighed by the net losses created by EU membership for GB.  They were able to retain the pound, they have benefited from free trade within the economic union, and have been taking advantage of the cheaper wages of other European workers.  I think it's a great plus for them.

Answer 2

That question doesn't make any sense, the UK is a member of the European Union since 1973, 35 YEARS AGO, and some americans seem to think, I can't understand why, that it has joined the EU recently or something...

Is your education system THAT bad?...

Answer 3

I disagree that the EU needs the UK. The UK represents about 15% of the EU economy and 12% of the population. If the UK left they would likely negotiate a free trade agreement as Norway and Switzerland, and so the effect on the remaining EU would be zero.

I think it was a mistake to allow the UK in. They have never really contributed anything, and the major projects, such as the Euro and Schengen, have only progressed by ignoring UK interference.

Now the UK has 'opted-out' of the Charter on Fundamental Rights, which is the bedrock of civil rights in the rest of the EU. How the UK can continue to pretend to be democratic is beyond me.

The UK is being left behind anyway, though its opt outs, so in a few years it will have a unique semi-membership. This is a good thing, as their heart just isn't in it.

I think they should leave completely and just pay for access to the market as Norway does. They don't use their representation in the EU parliament constructively so I don't see why they want it.

They should leave.

Answer 4

The EU needs the UK really.  Even with all the other countries the EU still lacked much economic clout.

Answer 5

The entry of Britain to the EU is an advantage because it will foster more cooperation for economic progress of the region.