Background Video:
In a referendum on 23 June 2016, a majority of British voted in support of the US withdrawing from the European Union. This proposal came to be known as “Brexit”. On Monday, British Prime Minister Theresa May responded to a new proposal regarding the implementation of a free trade agreement (similar to that of Canada) rather than leaving the European Union. May supports Brexit over the new proposition, stating that, “no deal is better than a bad deal… What we’ve put on the table is a good deal. It’s a deal that retains the unity of the United Kingdom, our constitutional integrity. It’s a deal which provides for no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, protects jobs and enables us to have a good trade relationship with Europe and good trade relationships with the rest of the world.” If Britain were to go through with Brexit, it would increase their sovereignty and raise their economy (as it is no longer dragged down by the lower performing countries in the EU).
Discussion Questions:
- Do you agree with Theresa May regarding the new basic trade deal proposal?
- How would Brexit affect international relations for Britain?
- Is there another means for Britain of acquiring the sovereignty and economic boost they desire without removing themselves from the UN?
I agree with Theresa May that there should be some sort of connection left between the EU and Britain. Her proposal of a free trade agreement is a good idea as it allows for the continuation of trade with Europe while allowing Britain to have control over its borders and its full sovereignty. Brexit might lower relations between EU countries as it might seem that Britain is trying to save itself. It will not raise relations in any sort of way as doesn't benefit any of the EU countries. I believe in a democratic society, there is always a way for the people to get what they want. In the EU, it should also be possible for Britain to have more autonomy compared to other EU nations as it is one of the leaders of the EU.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do think the explanation is a little hard to follow for me, I do believe whatever free trade deal is decided on will be better than Britain being a part of the EU. I think mutual free trade between Britain and the rest of europe will be more beneficial to both sides, as Britain's economy will not drag as mentioned, and the rest of the EU will be able to benefit from trade with GB. I believe brexit will only mildly affect relations with the rest of western europe, but Britain is a critical enough military presence that countries allied with it will not break ties over brexit. I don't think britain will need to remove themselves from the UN because of this. I do, however, believe removal from the EU is the best way to make sure britain will not be impacted by some of the EU's less favorable economic policies, which can sometimes cause contention with others not in the EU.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I believe the free trade deal may be more beneficial for the UK and better than leaving the EU all together I would still rather see a reevaluation and possible improvements made to the EU system to maintain the regions economic ties. England as an individual economy remains unpredictable and its effects on the rest of the EU must also be considered in the case of it's full backing out. The free trade agreement may be a needed compromise between leaving the EU but still maintaining ties economically and otherwise with neighboring nations.
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