I believe the UK's national interest would be best served by remaining in the EU, following any referendum. Life outside the EU would not be economic suicide, as demonstrated by the UK's current status as Germany's biggest trading partner. Also, a vote to leave the EU would not change the fact that Europe as a whole would remain as Britain's most important external relationship.
I have always been pro-European on balance since developing my views as a student in my late teens. It has always been the position of influence, for Britain to vote in the European Union institutions on matters linked to the Single European Market, which has been a decisive factor. In other words, I consider it to be too much of a disadvantage to be in the Single Market as Norway or Switzerland are, but unable to vote on the rules.
So there we have it: I certainly did not vote for UKIP in this week's general election. But as a democrat above all else, I do respect that other people may have a different viewpoint to mine on the European issue. As far as the 2015 election and UKIP goes, winning a solitary seat on nearly 13% of the national vote is a disgrace. I fully agree with the sentiments of outgoing leader Nigel Farage that the First Past The Post electoral system is bankrupt.
Previous arguments to change the British electoral system have often been made by the Liberal Democrats, who ironically on a very bad election for them this time around, managed to hold onto eight seats on just 7.9% of the vote. JUST MAYBE, UKIP HAVE INJECTED FRESH LIFE INTO THE CAMPAIGN FOR A FAIRER VOTING SYSTEM.
I have always been pro-European on balance since developing my views as a student in my late teens. It has always been the position of influence, for Britain to vote in the European Union institutions on matters linked to the Single European Market, which has been a decisive factor. In other words, I consider it to be too much of a disadvantage to be in the Single Market as Norway or Switzerland are, but unable to vote on the rules.
So there we have it: I certainly did not vote for UKIP in this week's general election. But as a democrat above all else, I do respect that other people may have a different viewpoint to mine on the European issue. As far as the 2015 election and UKIP goes, winning a solitary seat on nearly 13% of the national vote is a disgrace. I fully agree with the sentiments of outgoing leader Nigel Farage that the First Past The Post electoral system is bankrupt.
Previous arguments to change the British electoral system have often been made by the Liberal Democrats, who ironically on a very bad election for them this time around, managed to hold onto eight seats on just 7.9% of the vote. JUST MAYBE, UKIP HAVE INJECTED FRESH LIFE INTO THE CAMPAIGN FOR A FAIRER VOTING SYSTEM.
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