THE UK AND THE EU - WHERE NEXT ? THE ACTIONS NEEDED 2013 - 2020 THE VOICE OF ONE BRITISH CITIZEN

 In 1957 The Treaty of Rome was signed between France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and Italy - " The Six European Economic  Community " which lowered trade barriers and was designed to increase the prosperity of these founder countries.
The United Kingdom was left on the sidelines and for many years General de Gaulle vetoed all attempts by the UK to join the EEC.
The people of the UK recognised the benefits of the EEC and it was not until the 1970s that the citizens of the UK were given the opportunity to join the EEC. The majority of the people of the UK voted in favour of the EEC in a Referendum.
Since the 1970s there has been considerable debate about the direction the EEC was taking - now called the EU - The European Union and Britain's role within the EU.

Politicians, the Establishment and the people are divided on the question of where do we go next ?
David Cameron has promised a Referendum on the Question of whether Britain should stay in the EU or not.
There is so much dis- information and bias about this topic that most people cannot see the wood for the trees. As one ordinary British citizen, here are my views which I hope will help the debate.

It is not as simple as an In / Out vote. This is what Britain should do to clarify the choice -

WHAT BRITAIN WANTS TO DO WITHIN THE  EUROPEAN UNION

• Communicate to the citizens of the EU that the people of Britain want to remain in an EEC relationship with the EU to the benefit of all countries mutual trade
• Britain wishes to remain in NATO as an independent partner - no European army.
• Britain wishes to enjoy holiday travel within the EU and participate fully in Cultural activities throughout Europe.
• Britain wishes to maintain joint research and development projects across the  EU  
• Britain wishes to remain in a cross borders Police co-operation 
• Britain wants to co-operate with the EU on all Terrorists Tracking and Criminal activities
• Britain wishes to promote a peaceful co-existence within the EU member countries and globally.

WHAT BRITAIN DOES NOT WANT TO DO WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION

• Britain does not want to be a Member of the European Union Parliament, The European Commission and the European Court of Justice
• Britain does not want to be bound to EU Immigration Laws.
• Britain wants to withdraw from the European Human Right Laws.
• Britain will be freed from any financial commitments to the EU Budgets.
• Britain will not condone EU Financial Laws which are detrimental to the City of London.
• Britain must withdraw from any share trading tax set by the EU Commission which would affect investments in Pension Funds.

THE NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH EUROPE

• Britain will work to promote prosperity in Britain and the EU and help to prevent another Financial Crisis.
• Britain will not join the Eurozone.
• Britain will help to promote free trade with trading partners throughout the World and Britain will continue to participate in Global Institutions - World Monetary Institutions, Monetary Fund, United  Nations, G8 and so on.
• EU citizens travelling to the UK must have Health Insurance to cover Healthcare costs whilst in the UK - no dependence on the UK Welfare system.
• The British Parliament will remain the main Legislative elected body for the United Kingdom
• All powers will be restored to the British Parliament who will decide what EU Laws are accetpable to the British People
• A new Treaty of London will be drawn up to ratify the future relationship between Britain and The EU. 
• The Treaty of London must be approved by the British people in a Referendum.
• Timetable - Start negotiations January 2014 - complete negotiations January 2016 - UK / EU Parliamentary approval July 2016 - Treaty of London January 2017 - UK Referendum -July 2017 Implementation of Treaty of London - January 2018. 

COMMERCIAL SUICIDE

The recent - June 2013 - publication of the UK Trading statistics showed that trade with the EU had declined in 2012 whilst trade with the rest of the World had increased substantially. Trade in 2012 with the Rest of the World increased by 11% but trade with the EU fell by 1.5%.  This has prompted many Politicians and MPs  from the Conservative Party and Ukip hopefuls to cry out - We do not need the EU. We have the rest of the World. The UK must withdraw completely from the EU. 

Such views are absurd and it shows how ignorant they are on how International Trade works.

For example -

• British Companies will trade where they like in the Global Economy providing the principles of Free Trade are maintained.
• The Government cannot dictate to Companies what their trading policy should be
• The UK needs the EU and The World
• The EU needs the UK and the Rest of the World.
• Small medium sized companies cannot trade normally world wide without investment. They need the close markets of the EU to expand,
• The World is a better place for Global free trade - we do not want a trade war with the EU - we all lose from that.
• A complete withdrawal from the EU would be disastrous for the UK BUT  we can leave providing we have a new Trade Treaty as I have recommended.  Everyone gains from that.

So, Parliament - start talking FACTS now and INFORM the people of the UK and the people of the EU.

Start NOW - do not wait a few more years. If there is more delay until after the 2015 Election, I fear the consequences in the Political Arena - the continued  rise of UKip. the fall of the Conservatives, the decline of the Liberals at the polls - and Labour more dominant and wishy washy ! 

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

CONCLUSION

This new relationship with the European Union MUST be debated and agreed with the EU -  before a Referendum is voted on in the UK.
The voters must know what are we voting for?  The Prime Minister Rt Hon. David Cameron is right is suggesting that the people in Britain must know the ramifications of what they are voting  for or against. When they know what is on offer and is realistic in implementation, then they can vote - YES or NO to the proposal. The Conservative Party needs to spell out the Objectives of any reforms they want NOW. Show the people that they have listened to the people. This will increase their credibility with the Electorate and take the steam out of the UKip momentum. If this leads to an early election so be it - the Conservatives will have the initiative.

A premature Referendum without all the facts would be very dangerous.

Whatever the final result, Britain must maintain good relations with Europe. We do not want friction and wars - too many millions have died in the past in Europe due to nationalism and unhealthy rivalry.
The Media have a big role to play in presenting the truth and the facts of the choice facing the British people.
Bias and Sensationalism are the enemy of a a free society. So far, in 2013, this is what we the people are getting. All I want is accurate information, creative thinking on all sides of the argument so that the people can make the right choice for Britain AND Europe.
In the 21st Century, Britain must not become an isolationist nation but a free, Globally outlooking and prosperous and competitive nation - for all our families and future generations.

Britain is European but Britain wants to be ruled by its own elected Parliament and not by an elite of Civil  Servants and well connected rulers in Brussels or Strasburg.


RAYMOND WILLIAMS MA MPhil MBA DIPM
EUREKYS

ray.williams@btinternet.com





T