President Obama Delivers a Crushing Blow to the Brexiters
On June 23rd, the people of Britain will head to the polls to provide the world with the answer to an age-defining question: Will the UK remain a part of the European Union or leave it? At the moment Britain is more divided then ever, with recent world events such as the crippled economy of Greece, the terror attacks on Paris and Brussels and the worst refugee crises to take place since WWII strengthening the "Vote Leave" campaign’s argument that a separate Britain would be a stronger one.
Image Credit: WhattheUKthinks.org
The "Vote Leave" Campaign:
Those in favor of a British exit (i.e. Brexit) from the European Union argue that the union imposes far too many regulations on British business while charging billions of pounds per year in membership fees — often providing little in return. Additionally, in light of the refugee crises taking place across Europe, many Britons are demanding tighter control of the country's borders and a reduction of immigrants currently flooding the UK job market. The "Brexiters" believe that remaining in the European Union, with its "free movement" policy, will only increase job competition between British nationals and foreigners. Additionally, the idea of an "ever closer union," which many EU member countries desire to achieve, is seen as a move in the wrong direction. Instead of strengthening the interests of the UK, the "Leave" campaign believes it would bring Britain closer to becoming part of what Churchill once called, the "United States of Europe.”
For a more detailed list of reasons why the "Vote Leave" campaign believes Britain is stronger separate from the European Union click here.
Image Credit: YouTube/VoteLeaveThe "Remain" Campaign:
Those in favor of Great Britain continuing to be a part of the European Union argue that there are many benefits that come with the membership. One such benefit is the ease of trade Britain currently enjoys with fellow EU countries. Additionally, they believe that the flow of immigrants aided by the "free movement" policy, helps to fuel British economic growth and increase the funds available to be used for British public services. Many fear that if the UK votes to leave the EU, the country's status and power within the world would be severely damaged. The "Remain" campaign's slogan reads boldly: "Britain Stronger IN Europe."
For a more detailed list of reasons why the "Remain" campaign believes Britain is stronger as a member of the European Union click here.
Image Credit: strongerin.co.uk
Throughout the past few weeks the "Leave" campaign has undergone several harsh blows to some of their most popular claims. Their argument that separating from the EU would bring increased financial health to the British economy (as they would no longer be required to send billions of dollars to aid other EU countries) was dismantled when the Treasury announced that if voters choose to leave the Union, Britain's economy would shrink by 6% by the year 2030, costing every British household the equivalent of £4,300 a year.
The second hit to the "Vote Leave" campaign took place last Friday when US President, Barack Obama, spoke in a press conference with British Prime Minister, David Cameron. In this conference, President Obama stated plainly that if Britain chooses to leave the European Union, they would go to "the back of the queue" when it came to US/UK trade deals — despite the long-allied countries "special relationship."
Since his statement, Obama has come under heavy criticism by those who claim he has no legitimate right to speak on British affairs. London's mayor, Boris Johnson, claimed in a recent remark that Obama's words were meant to bully the British people into making the decision most in line with US interest's. However, President Obama stated his right to speak on the "Brexit" matter during a Q&A session after the initial press conference:
"My understanding, is that some of the folks on the other side have been ascribing to the United States certain actions we’ll take if the UK does leave the EU. So they say, for example, that 'well, we’ll just cut our own trade deals with the United States'.. So they’re voicing an opinion about what the United States is going to do and I figured you might want to hear from the President of the United States what I think the United States is going to do."
Image Credit: GoogleImages/PeteSouza
In the aftermath of President Obama’s statement, polls suggest that British public opinion has shifted sharply in favor of the UK remaining a part of the European Union. However, many who are a part of the "Vote Leave" campaign continue to rail against Obama’s "threat." Democratic Unionist MP and former Northern Ireland finance minister Sammy Wilson, claimed Monday that President Obama was acting as no more than a parrot for British Prime Minister, David Cameron. However, Guardian reporter Jonathan Freedland, writes that the "Brexiters" fury with the US President is ultimately of little consequence, stating, “An anti-EU movement can’t also be anti-US, not without looking as if it hates everyone. Nor is it good to pit yourself against an American president who, whatever his domestic standing, remains in high esteem in Britain and Europe.”
With just over one month left before the British referendum is set to take place, both sides of the matter are turning up the heat on their campaigns. Monday morning, home secretary and "Remain" campaign supporter, Theresa May, called for Britain's exit from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) instead of the European Union. In her statement on the EU she claimed, “This is Great Britain, the country of Magna Carta, parliamentary democracy and the fairest courts in the world. And we can protect human rights ourselves in a way that doesn’t jeopardize national security or bind the hands of parliament” (for a full transcript of her speech click here).
May's statement has brought increased controversy and confusion to the "Brexit" debate with many left questioning how Britain can remain in the EU without ascribing to the ECHR. Especially as a British exit from the ECHR would violate the Good Friday Agreement that facilitated peace in Northern Ireland.
In the end, the decision to remain a part of the European Union or go it alone sits in the hands of the British people. Unfortunately, it seems that as the decision date looms closer, confusion is taking the place of clarity in the minds of the Brits.
