Brexit: Pros and Cons of Leaving the European Union

The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, has been a complex and controversial issue. Whether the UK making this decision was the right choice depends on one's perspective. Here, we explore the reasons for and against Brexit, examining the long-term and short-term impacts on various aspects of UK society.

Why the UK Left the European Union

The UK left the EU because of a deep-seated desire for independence and the perceived burden of EU bureaucracy. Several key reasons justify this decision:

1. Lack of Democratic Control

One of the main arguments for leaving the EU is the issue of democratic control. Non-EU members can elect their national leaders and vote on national legislation. However, in the EU, citizens cannot directly elect the Council of the European Union or the president of the Council. While they can vote for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), the latter only have limited power to amend and ratified decisions made by the Council.

2. Economic and Employment Benefits

Leaving the EU has brought several economic and employment benefits to the UK. The decision has helped stop the influx of unwanted and unemployed Eastern European workers to the UK, mitigating the pressure on the UK's job market, benefits system, and housing stock. According to statistics, from 2010 to 2020, on average, 350,000 Eastern European workers moved to the UK annually, a trend that has since been halted.

Furthermore, the UK no longer has to contribute as a net payer to the EU, saving the country a significant amount of money. The UK's balance of trade with the EU improved by ￡38 billion a year when the UK left the single market. Meanwhile, Germany experienced a similar decline in trade.

3. Regulatory Flexibility and National Sovereignty

An important aspect of leaving the EU was regaining control over national laws, waters, and regulations. The UK now has the ability to determine who can live and work in the country, who it can trade with, and on what terms. This has attracted multinational companies, with Shell and Unilever among the first to establish operations in the UK to benefit from a more business-friendly environment.

Financial institutions like BNP Paribas have also encouraged customers to invest in UK companies over those in the Eurozone, expecting better economic performance in the UK. According to the UN, the UK is now the fourth-largest exporter in the world, and it is reassuring that leaders like Victor Orbán and Geert Wilders have no say in the UK's governance.

Challenges and Concerns Post-Brexit

While the benefits of Brexit are evident, it has also brought several challenges and concerns:

1. Migrant Integration and Immigration Policy

The implementation of EU immigration policies has faced numerous challenges. Countries like Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are now dealing with adverse effects from uncontrolled immigration. The Schengen border-free policy, which made it easier for individuals to move and work across EU countries, has led to a mismatch in the distribution of resources and pressures on these countries.

Under EU amendments, individual member states can now set their own criteria for residency and work permits, even for EU citizens. This has led to stricter immigration policies and higher integration expectations in these countries. However, the UK's response to these issues has been less robust, leading to ongoing challenges.

2. Free Movement of Goods and Regulating Fraud

The concept of free movement of goods within the EU has led to significant logistical and regulatory challenges. While it was initially conceived as a positive step, it has now led to a situation where goods imported into the EU can pass through multiple jurisdictions without being inspected for compliance with EU standards. This has led to incidents of food fraud, where products like extra virgin olive oil are adulterated and passed off as genuine.

Without the free movement policy, these checks could be centralized at the point of entry, significantly reducing the need for an extensive regulatory framework. However, the UK's departure from the EU and its common market means it is still subject to these regulations, leading to ongoing difficulties in ensuring compliance.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act

The decision to leave the EU was based on a desire for greater control, regulatory flexibility, and national sovereignty. While there have been notable short-term benefits, such as stopping the influx of unwanted workers and regaining control over regulations, the long-term implications are complex and ongoing. The UK needs to strike a balance between maintaining its economic interests and addressing the challenges posed by the changing dynamics of the EU.