Just how arrogant are the anti-EU Conservatives?

grannyonce DJ is absolutely right when she says that most people do not understand about politics in general. I would add that most are not interested in being any more informed than they already are. I can't see how that can remotely be interpreted as arrogant and patronising, for me it is simply a matter of fact.

Agreeing with your comments about the lack of democracy both here and in the EU whitewave and picking up on yours and Jen's comments about the general lack of interest and lack of knowledge in politics in general I would like to add that I seem to see a lack of interest and knowledge coming from DC in his negotiations with the EU. He apparently wants to stay in (who knows ) but seems to be making little effort to make some of the great changes he could make while in a strong position nor does he seem to recognise the relationship to the EU.

Equally, if we don't know the ins and outs of whether it is better for us or not then that is because all political sides are playing politics. They need to stop or this will not be the last call for a vote.

There is a report being done for (I think) the Bank of England as to how the UK will be affected if we leave the EU - I think we ought to be able to see it to.

All such reports will be made up largely of guesswork anyway. No one can actually foretell with certainty what would happen.

Well no entirely ana, but it would be extremely shortsighted not to commission such a report as they must prepare for any eventuality.

Of course, not saying they shouldn't.

It's just that there are going to be so many of these reports and projections, all contradicting each other depending on whose side they're on, because no one really knows...

I would hope that those reports commissioned and supplied to the B of E and government would be reasonably objective. And if they weren't it would be obvious anyway.

Hmm...I would hope so too.

Mishap, most people do not understand about politics in general, but it does not stop them having a vote in the general election.
how can this not be an arrogant and patronising opinion
most people - in other words those who do not participate in political debates on forums are 'thick'
why should they not have a vote in the general election - because this is a democracy and it is one man/person, one vote
I assumed as usual that this was an anti-Conservative jibe and ergo Conservative voters don't understand politics - poor dears - and should not really have the vote in a general election.
the EU as it stands was not that envisaged after the end of the Second World war - the European Coal and Steel body was set up to prevent Germany re-arming - a good move. It was only with subsequent treaties that the EU grew from 9 states (I think) to it's present unwieldly number.
It would be fine as an economic unit but lots of very intelligent people (who vote) who understand politics very well feel it has gone too far and expanded too much for them to feel comfortable with its power.

G1 Nothing to do with being thick as you put it but a matter of fact - some people are not interested and do not understand politics. That is not the same thing as saying they are thick - I have a daughter - a genetic engineer - who isn't remotely interested in politics and knows very little about it. Whereas my son an environmental scientist is a very political person, and could probably teach me a lot. Both are lively, intelligent and always vote. Happily as far as I am concerned both left wing in their leanings. So you are wrong in your assumption that when I support dj in her statement she is being arrogant and patronising - what she said is a matter of fact, and in my book a reasonably neutral statement.

@soontobe "I dont think that a country is going to say, we will not buy whichever service, or maybe goods, just beacuse we are no longer in the EU."

But the rise in price tariffs will put them off in some cases.

Will there definitely be price tarriffs?

Then if there is, yes, price will make a difference.

I'm inclined to agree with durhamjen. Many people will decide to leave for the wrong reasons. I don't like the idea of this referendum at all. I think Cameron is taking a foolish risk.

I voted no to joining the "common Market" in 1975 ( I think that's the right year) it was Ted Heath I think also.
I will also vote no to being in the "United States of Europe".
There are European countries not in the EU who still manage to be very successful.
Ok my vote will be made with my heart not my head but that's how many vote.

grannyonce it's ridiculous to read that into DJ's post.
Talk about looking for an argument.
Climb down from your tory high horse and think before you post.

jing I agree

The EU provides enormous subsidies for farms, allowing them to invest in modern methods of farming, thus maintain a position in world economics.

The EU provides subsidies for highways, enabling transport routes to be more efficient.

The EU enables trade opportunities that would be difficult or denied to Britain.

I may be wrong, but I understand that if you have an acre of land that you allow to be fallow, then you can claim a payment from the EU! GNs with big gardens?

x

Of course we wouldn't be having this referendum if DC hadn't caved into his backbenchers, and now he seems to be twisting himself in knots again in order to appease them. Talk about history repeating itself.

I may be wrong, but I understand that if you have an acre of land that you allow to be fallow, then you can claim a payment from the EU! GNs with big gardens?

Well, that seems rather ridiculous. Like the 'butter mountain' and milk having to be thrown away, some EU policies are wasteful and convoluted methods of creating a 'level playing field' IMO...

Rather I should have said 'attempting to create a level playing field'.

whitewave - we are having this referendum because it is a democratic way to resolve the issue - just as the Scottish independance referendum was held. why do you have such a problem with something that was promised in the manifesto and affects everybody in the UK regardless of their particular political stance? you may be pro-EU but not everybody is

As I understand it, The Common Aggriculture Policy was set up in the 1950s to ensure that Europe was self sufficient and not at ransom to other countries for food.

The subsidy was to help farmers whose land is not as productive as others, within the EU. Minimum holding is 1 acre, which you have owned for at least 10 months.

Just saying, daft or not. Unfortunately my garden isn't that large! x

G1 I have nothing in theory against a referendum, in fact I think they are a force for good. However it seems to me to be doing exactly what everyone warned would happen. If you remember right up to the election all our focus was on the economy, the deficit and the debt. My argument is that a referendum would have been better left until our immediate problems have been dealt with. Once again Tory supporters will watch as their party tears itself apart. Ask Major - you can see old the old and new adversaries lining up to bit into each other - not an edifying spectacle, but Tories know how to fight each other that is for sure.

I want a referendum. I want a choice. I want a say.

Brenda - which European countries are not in the EU and are still successful?

Switzerland and Norway are two, although I believe the cost of living in those countries is high. There are other successful European countries not in the EU soontobe. Have a Google!