h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Regarding British exports to the EU, I heard the figures usually quoted are grossly inflated because the majority of goods leaving Britain just go to Rotterdam for onward shipping worldwide. Similarly, I expect a lot of stuff being imported to Britain from the EU may just be stuff from the rest of the world that's also transited through Rotterdam.

Pedro is right
We have a support within the EU and when the UK economy collapses and it could (we owe more than Greece ans Spain combined according to several market analyst's) we will take less time to recover than if the rest of Europe turn their back on us. And they will if we opt out.

What could happen to us-

A 60% devaluation in property
Loss of jobs
Gouvernment with no money for pensions or services

Look at Greece

So what are the pros and cons then?

Because in all honesty without wanting to be a thicko,

we will get a yes or no vote, be bored to tears by the politicing

then a minority of people will tip up and vote yes or no, how many, depends on the weather, how they are tied into other elections

according to the unscientific survey carried out by the beeb, the majority of people said no

when asked why, said they didn't know

>>>India itself has imposed trade quotas on products imported from the EU because it doesn't want to have it's own markets flooded by EU goods.<<

So if the UK came out of the EU, do you think that India would suddenly welcome a flood of UK goods with open arms?

(Not that there would actually be a potential flood of UK goods since our industrial base was destroyed a few years back)

I REALLY don't believe for a minute any of the big 3 parties will allow an open yes/no vote. Despite some posturing, they are all in it for the finacial tie up with Europe (UK being the banking capital).
This present piece of smoke and mirrors is all to do with the EU changing some of it's rules, which will adversly affect London's special place in world finance. (Which boils down to turning a blind eye to shady dealings mainly)
This is the UK stamping it's foot and saying if we can't have special deals for our corrupt banking empire we will take our ball home and go somewhere else to play.
Nobody in Europe believes we will, and the UK polititians know we won't, because they won't ever allow a vote on it

<So if the UK came out of the EU, do you think that India would suddenly welcome a flood of UK goods with open arms?

Not a flood no, just a fair amount.
A) Because, as you point out, we don't produce anything anymore. We are a nation of money movers and burger flippers.
and
B) Because India wouldn't fear the collosus of Europe forcing it's way in, just one little trading partner.

you sure we won't accidently get there because, thicko that I am what ever call me Dave takes back to his party won't be enough, while we cackle at UKIP, actually I have some real concerns about the ground that they are gaining and obviously the lib dems have lost all theirs and Labour is, well treading water

Do we have a Big Three anymore, or Big Minority Two and who do they shack up with next time round?

Sorry to spike the myth but the value of Britain's manufacturing output is about 250% higher now than it was in the 1940s. We just don't mass produce cheap tat with huge work forces any more.

But how does it compare to the 1970s swl? Or 60s, 50s, 30s, 20s or 10s?

Interesting that Millibean is attacking Dave, but being VERY quiet about Nick.

Interesting point though. Do we have any political party we trust outright to win an election anymore, or are we doomed to coalitions for the next few elections? (For another thread perhaps)

What the Europhiles are perhaps forgetting is that we are British, and as such, if given a vote, most of us wouldn't be bothered to use it, and the rest would think 'Oh well,status quo, better the devil you know I suppose. Now....when do United play next'

And where are the profits going?

So the argument against holding a referendum is

a) Europe will likely declare war on itself and Britain
b) It will be an economic catastrophe, Britain will lose billions, go bankrupt and will be denied the milk and honey of Europe.
c) Anything else?

Locusts........don't forget the plague of locusts.

For hygienicdispenser - http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/02/22/manufacturing_figures/

"This will appeal to Mail and Experss readers in the main. They forget that we are a small island off the coast of Europe sometimes."

Hence the famous headline

FOG IN CHANNEL - CONTINENT CUT OFF

In another thread Mol has asked a question
about medical responsibilities in the UK
and this has raised a question in my mind.

Are all the EU countries now obliged to offer the
same coverages and standards of health care?

If you are travelling and get sick in (insert)
will you be treated the same as in your home?

Or will they (as we do in Canada if you end up
in a US hospital) send in a plane and bring you
home because it's cheaper in the long run?


~jwf~

No, I think is the quick answer. I needed an NHS card and medical insurance when I travelled last year.

Mol

The EHIC card card explained here;
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

Importantly this card only covers basic health care to a standard acceptable in the country....not to the standard you would expect in your own. Also, as we in the UK are used to free health care, it may be chargable in other EU countries.

This card runs in tandem with travel insurance, and is not a replacement.

Going back to bobstafford's points earlier:



1) I personally think a 60% devaluation in property would be a good thing for the country longer term. The housing market in Britain is hugely over-inflated with houses at quite insane prices for the average person. It's only outrageous lending that keeps this going, combined with the greed of those using the property ladder to feed personal wealth. Houses should be seen as homes, not stepping stones. IMHO

2) The public sector has been swollen by governments creating "make-work" jobs in places like the North East of England. These jobs are a direct cost to the public so losing many of them results in a net saving to taxpayers.

3) The government currently has no money for pensions or services and it hasn't had for some time. This year alone the government is having to borrow £80,000,0000,000 to meet these commitments.