Britain's Possible Exit From the European Union (Research Paper Sample)

Britain's Politics
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Britain's Politics
Hosli, (2000) claimed that Britain was never too much eager in joining the European Union since its formation. Britain was left out the 1950s when countries like Germany, France, Italy and the Benelux forged a single market in coal and steel, and that later became a broader common market. It then joined in 1973 mainly because Europe became a hub of businesses and money front. The European act was signed, and the law and was primary to create a unique entity of internal market. The act allowed the movement of persons, goods and services for free among member states (Hosli, 2000).
Also, another treaty was signed known as the Maastricht Treaty that made it possible for a single currency to be used to curb the dominance of the Dollar.Fratianni, & Hagen, (1992)asserted that, Britain was against this idea as they did not want to drop their currency, the Pound. By the year 1993, The European Union was formed, and the Euro currency formally introduced, but the public opinion of the Britons openly opposed the use of Euros against their currency (Fratianni, & Hagen, 1992).
Over the time, contracts have changed to allow the more room for negotiations. In the early years, countries like France had veto powers, for instance when they vetoed against Britain joining the Union. The main reason they vetoed against Britain was that they feared the dollar would penetrate their market. Also, France was afraid that they would lose their voice if Britain would be incorporated into the EU.
The central idea behind Britain referendum to opt out of the European Union is because of the mandatory taking of 20,000 refugees trying to enter Europe. Britain, one of the largest member states, openly denied the idea of taking the refugees for two years and distributing them across Europe. Also, Britain needs to align its social welfare rules accordance to the EU’s. Britain’s main agenda is to push the EU to reform its policy on how the EU migrants’ access to the benefits. Also, how the migrants will be able to access the UK benefits system, including in work reimbursement that Britain wants to make it an absolute requirement in the coming negotiations. Most of the member states are not agreeing with Britain ideas and are objecting those of rewriting the rules at the European level to accommodate Britain. The EU request to Britain is to amend its welfare rules that will see them adapted to the national standard of the EU governance.
The people of Britain have mixed reactions on the country opting out of the EU. The rules in place in the EU are proving hard for any member state just to opt out of the union without a valid reason. For example, it is not the first time Britain has opted out of the union. In 1975, Britain had a referendum if they should continue staying in the union, the people voted ominously to remain in it. Mostly for the benefits it offered as a member than being alone and out of the union (James, 2012).
The best way to trigger such changes in the EU is to have a referendum. The citizens of Britain will decide whether they should opt out of the Union or stay and have changes made to the rules. The people of Europe have envisioned a united Europe, but recent challenges from mainly Britain have seen that dream fiddle. Not all people of Britain are in support of the idea of a unified Europe, however, not all are opposed to the idea. The British parliament is currently drafting a bill to allow its citizen the ultimate decision on whether to stay in the European Union or opt out of the Union altogether.
The people of Britain can be considered to be skeptical. Most of the citizens are against the idea of Britain having closer ties to the European Union. The recent minority win of the 25% of the votes in the UK has shown the ever growing discontent of the people (James, 2012). The United Kingdom Independent Party, which is the primary pro-European party does not want Britain move closer to the European Union. Also, the party represents the minority British public’s interest that does not wish to see the future of a United States of Europe.
Euroscepticism is the opposing of policies of supranational EU unions and institutions. Also the conflicting of Britain membership to the European Union is making a significant element in the United Kingdom politics. Britain cannot be considered to be Euroscepticism, due to the fact that not all citizens are opposed to the idea of Britain making reforms to the European Union. Most of the member states are against Britain involvement in making the changes as they regard Britain as a supremacy country.
Countries like Germany and France are more interested with the Veto powers and are even stating for Britain to relinquish its status. The recent win by the UKIP has shown and reflected how the people feel about joining the European Union. Also within the European Union, there is a struggle for supremacy with countries uniting against each other.
Britain political atmosphere add weight to the issue of opting out of the European Union. The current Prime Minister David Cameron wants the people of Britain to decide whether to stay or breakout of the European Union. Cameron has promised the citizens for a possible referendum set for the year 2017. The decision came after a surprise vote win of the less popular party by a 25% over the total votes (Hosli, 2000). The win represented the minority and the less vocal who wanted nothing of the European Union. Besides, this was cumulative of a firm decision on the rights of the people and more than the three-decade long cry for change.
All the main political parties in Britain initial were for the support of lowering the number of migrants coming to the UK especially Britain. The parties agreed ominously that stiffer migrant laws should be put in place to reduce the number of migrants struggling to reach the UK. Also, the parties also want reforms in the European Union on matters of Britain having more powers to be handed to the locals. Most of the major parties are opting for the referendum to take place.
It will be the people’s verdict on whether to stay in the European Union or leave. While at the same time, big parties like the Conservative, The Labor Party and the Greens party push for reforms in the EU and a referendum also to pull out of the EU. Small parties like the United Kingdom Independent Party, a recently formed party with more representation of the locals, want a total outage to the European Union.
The major parties all differ in the case of European Union membership, with most of the them campaigning for significant reforms in the EU. At the same time, they are pushing for the referendum that will help decide Britain membership to the EU. The majority of the parties think getting out of the EU will be for the benefit of the people and Britain at large. The move has been seen since Britain refusing with the current monetary system of the EU and retaining its currency the Pound against the chosen Euro.
David Cameron has promised to tackle the issue of reforms concerning EU free movement rules when renegotiation of Britain’s terms with the EU. Cameron has ruled out a temporary cap on migrant numbers or an emergency brake on the EU freedom of movement rules. The party aims to reduce immigration down to below 100,000 persons a year from the current 200,000.
Other parties like the Labor and Liberal Democrats want stronger border controls and the reintroduction of exit checks at the borders. They also require the government to check for migrants who have overstayed their visas, so that they can be deported back to their home countries. The two parties are also campaigning for reforms in the European Union, but strongly disagree with Britain notion of exiting the European Union. The Labour and Liberal Democrats see Britain living the European Union as a grave undertaking. Also, the other member states will not allow Britain to dictate how they will conduct business with the EU based on its terms rather by the terms of the EU.
United Kingdom Independent Party wants nothing to do with the EU. They have opted for Britain to exit the European Union immediately without any reforms. In addition, they opted for stronger policies that will see people stripped off their passports and citizenship if they have been tied to terrorism or involved in acts of terror. Further, the United Kingdom Independent Party is campaigning for the reduction in foreign aid and the creation of a veteran department that will cater for ex-servicemen and women.
The vote for a referendum and possible exit of Britain in the EU is a serious issue. The decision is not based neither on the self-interest of individual leaders nor of that of Britain, but rather a collective vote from the citizens. The people are far much affected more than Britain in its capacity. Cameron was right to promise the people a referendum to have their verdict on the issue. Also, Cameron knew what the people wanted, hence they used the European Union membership as a tool to retain his leadership.
They are several countries with powers for major decision making among the United Kingdom. Some of them, such as Scotland, are surprised many in the just concluded voting. Scotland wiped out all the main parties in the countries to will an overwhelming 59 seats. The move further proved the discontent of other countries undermining other countries and showed their solidarity in expressing their dissatisfaction.
Cameron used the referendum vote timely to win back his seat and also to raise the issue that has been brewing for decades on the EU membership. Besides, keeping Scotland in mind and promising them more powers and representation helped him garner more confidence for winning the heart of the ...