Brexit is a fun-sounding word that we hear more and more often, but it actually describes a really serious issue. Should Britain stay in the club of European countries, called the EU? Or are we better off managing our own economy and politics? Opinions are divided and PM David Cameron has just concluded a tough round of negotiations. After this it will come down to British people to decide on our future.
When Prime Minister David Cameron was elected last spring, he promised that he would have a referendum (a vote) to decide whether the UK should leave the European Union or not. Since then, he has been in many debates with other European leaders. Cameron has had many meetings to convince them to let the UK have better conditions as a member of the EU than it has now, for example to pay less money to the common pot, and to be able to restrict benefits to immigrants. The referendum could be organized any time until the end of 2017, but Cameron will wait until he has a good deal on the table.
The EU is made out of 28 different countries that agree to certain rules. It has its own parliament and was created after the second world war to make sure that we avoid war, and promote peace instead. There are pros and cons about leaving the EU.
Pros in case of a Brexit:
- Some people think the EU’s rules are too strict and are bad for Britain
- It would give the UK more freedom with their choices
- It would save money because Britain wouldn’t have to pay fees to the EU
The Cons if we exit:
- It would be harder to move money, goods and people between member countries. EU worked for many decades to make it possible for for example young people to study and work in other countries. It will cost more for people and companies to have to fill in papers and wait for permission for every little thing.
- Other countries might think we’re weaker without the EU supporting us. EU does not act as one power any more, for example towards China, Russsia or the US.
- The world is getting more global every day, with easier travel and internet. People want it to be easy to send goods and to move around. Getting out of the EU is a move in the other direction.
By Noam