Keynote speakers declare support for EU at NUS National Conference | News | Student | The Independent


Location map: United Kingdom (dark green) / Eu...

Location map: United Kingdom (dark green) / European Union (light green) / Europe (dark grey); inspired by and consistent with general country locator maps by User:Vardion, et al (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

The Independent reports that the National Union of Students’ (NUS) National Conference in Brighton has opened with keynote speakers declaring their support for the UK to remain in the EU. In her opening remarks, NUS national president, Megan Dunn, said students “must stand together for a progressive Europe,” and added that the NUS would be campaigning for the union to remain over the coming months.

Source: Keynote speakers declare support for EU at NUS National Conference | News | Student | The Independent

Whilst, I don’t always agree with the policies of the NUS, I’m proud to add that I agree with the NUS on remaining in Europe.

Young people in the UK seem to know what’s best for both themselves and Europe.

It’s rather sad that it’s older people who favor a Brexit. Sadly, most of these people are being taken in by the rise in right-wing nationalism that is promoting fear of increased immigration. But the Economist pointed out that immigration will continue whatever the Brexit result – immigration is a function of relative skills and international competitiveness. Older UK voters need to wake up, look at the risks and not bury themselves in the past.

Oh, by the way I’ll be sixty-eight years of age in a few weeks.

Thoughts?

 

Wolfgang Schäuble warns UK of tough Brexit negotiations – FT.com

The FT reports that Wolfgang Schäuble, Germany’s finance minister, has warned British chancellor George Osborne that Berlin would be a tough negotiator if the UK votes to leave the EU. He was speaking on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund spring meetings.

Source: Wolfgang Schäuble warns UK of tough Brexit negotiations – FT.com

This warning is not really surprising.

The ‘Out’ arguments just do not stack up in terms of risk management.

It will be interesting to see the UK Treasury‘s Cost Benefit Analysis once they’ve been approved by the Select Committee. Then the onus will be on the Outs to justify the economic case and risks.

I’m hopeful that common sense will prevail and the Remain campaign will win convincingly on the day.

However, even if the UK votes to stay in the EU, I fear that there has to be a major government reshuffle – it’s likely to happen either way. Indeed feuding within the Conservative Party might even precipitate an early general election.

Thoughts?