I've worked with and against EU institutions for the last fifteen years or so

In that time I've spent a fair bit of time in Brussels working with various parts of the Commission and the Parliament.

There's a very great deal which is not just not to like, but indefensible. The "Parliament" is democratic in name only. The waste is stupendous (Strasbourg, anyone?). The accounts haven't been signed off since forever. The Commission is structured so as to create sclerosis and internecine turf wars. I could go on for a very long time.

However, what is very, very clear to me is that we are far better off as a nation in the EU than outside it.

Arguments about immigration are a red herring - the average EU migrant to the UK contributes more to the UK economy than the average Brit, they're less likely to claim benefits and more likely to work.

For me the clinching argument - leaving aside the point we've had no European wars in a wee while - is trade. The EU is a massively important trading bloc to us. If we were to leave we would simply not have the leverage to get everything we want in the Free Trade Agreement that would doubtless follow between the UK and EU - why would the European countries want competition from UK firms on equal footing when they could stitch us all up to the benefit of their own industry? Millions of jobs are predicated on our trade with other EU states.

So while the EU is most certainly imperfect - infuriatingly so when you have to deal with it day to day, as I have done - I strongly believe we're far better in than out.

Posted By: Old Man, Feb 20, 11:02:53