Staying in the EU

My job for the last 3 years has been EU researcher at a London think tank. My work was mainly on the problems of the EU and the different options for leaving the EU – in short, what might be called Eurosceptic. They can all be accessed here for free.

Over the course of my time there I have become convinced that it is best for Britain to remain within the EU, although it certainly has its problems. I have now left Civitas.

Here are some of my reasons for supporting Remain.

• the EU is good for Britain’s economy and working people
• the EU is not a threat to Parliamentary Sovereignty
• the Vote Leave ‘BMW leverage’ argument for a good Brexit deal is flawed
• the Brexit case is wildly optimistic
• the idea that Brexit would usher in a democratic utopia is undermined by leave leaders’ records
• the EU’s migration rules are good for Britain
• Brexit would be bad for security
• TTIP is not a reason for leftwing voters to support Leave
• All Remain arguments necessarily sound like scaremongering, and that’s fine
• Potential budget savings from Brexit are tiny compared to minor economic fluctuations
• It is insincere to fight the referendum on class lines (complete with rebuttal from my ex-boss)
• The free movement of people is an important lifeline for young Britons
• The least damaging model for exit is still damaging

Here is how I think the government could promote Leave-Remain reconciliation, and try to fix the EU’s problems, after a Remain win:

• Reconciliation after a tight Remain win

You could also argue this (by a colleague), which is mildly true but barely relevant:

David Cameron’s renegotiation efforts have changed the EU for the better

Here is how the EU would have to develop for me to consider pushing for another referendum and wanting to vote to leave.

I have a few more articles planned, but await people to pay me to write them.

I am happy to discuss my views further.