15 September 2010
12:3070860I note with interest that the latest figures from a YouGov poll indicates that the majority of British people, given the chance, would still vote for us to leave the European Union.
The figures are:- To Leave 47%. To Stay in 33%.
Perhaps, due to our present economic problems, more people have finally woken up to the fact that our domestic cost cutting exercise would be less severe if we stopped giving away vast amounts of cash to the EU.
Just a shame though that we`ll never be given the chance to actually cast a vote in a democratic referendum.
15 September 2010
12:5070865That is still 20% undecided, so hardly a mandate to exit.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
15 September 2010
13:5370870Yes true Sid - the time is not yet right John.
Guest 687- Registered: 2 Jun 2009
- Posts: 513
15 September 2010
14:0170873I hope we don't leave before I finally decide to retire, the thought of all those custom posts to negotiate leaves me cold.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
15 September 2010
14:0470874It would be just one to get into the EU Ken, In Calais. Free movement of goods within the EU once through that!
15 September 2010
14:0670875Sorry Sid, I can`t quite work out your logic on that one.
Are you saying that before we have a vote on anything everybody has to be committed to one side or the other? That would never happen surely.
The referendum in 1975 to join the the Common Market ( or to stay in the EEC ) took place when 35% of us Brits were Undecided/Not Bothered but that, of course, was deemed to be a valid result which stood. Likewise, the last General Election threw up, strangely enough, the same percentage of Don`t knows/Not Interested etc.
It can`t be right surely to deny people a say on such an important issue just because others can`t be bothered to find out and form their own opinion on the subject matter?
Guest 703- Registered: 30 Jul 2010
- Posts: 2,096
15 September 2010
14:1370878Gordon Brown denied us a say because he knew what the result would be.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
15 September 2010
14:2770881On the Treaty, I agree Ray but a full-on 'get out' referendum migth be another matter. Much as I want us out of the EU madness I dont want to lose our best shot at getting us out until we can be sure the pendulum has swung our way. Fail in a referendum and our membership will be settled for a generation or more and the authority and influence of the Eurosceptics will have been damaged.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
15 September 2010
15:0670890the figure of 47% surprised me, higher than expected.
the fact that 20% are undecided must surely mean that public debate is needed and all sides give an account of why we should stay in/leave.
then it would be time for a referendum.
15 September 2010
15:3170896I wouldn`t disagree with what you say there Howard. We certainly do need a full public debate on the issue. In fact, it`s amazing that we never have had one, but we all know the reason for that don`t we!
On the other hand, we could debate the EU issue until the cows come home and at the end of the day there would still be a fair percentage who wouldn`t have a clue what it`s all about. This will always be the case on any subject, unless of course it`s covered in detail in Hello/OK magazines etc!
I fail to see why people with half a brain that represent some of that percentage should be able to deny the majority of us having a say. Which I assume Sid is advocating?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
15 September 2010
16:1670903i have always found when eurodoubters enquire about the benefits of continued membership, pro europe politicos give a dismissive reply.
ted heath was always the worst for this.
15 September 2010
20:0370983No John, what I am saying is 20% represents a significant proportion of the country, and adding half that number to either side significantly alters the balance. Therefore, as Howard has said, there needs to be a proper debate before any referendum to help folks make their minds up.
If hypoth
Just to muddy the waters a bit more:
If the 20% all sided with the "Too stays" making their number 53% would you and Barry both be advocating a referendum? I suspect not.
If the 20% splits between both sides and we ended up with 50% for and 50% against, would you and Barry be advocating a referndum? I suspect not.
If the 20% sided with the "To leave" there wouldn't be a need for a referendum, just action to deliver what the people wanted.
