Going back into Europe

So there was no need for the Tory austerity measures of 2010 - nor is there need for any now.

Austerity is a political choice. We do have alternatives when recession looms.

There was no recession after the Second World War.

Surely we are still recovering from the financial global crisis of 2008? Only to be hit by the cost of the Covid pandemic, fuel and energy crisis plus war in Ukraine ?

The UK is experiencing much the same ideological 'austerity' now, and has been for 13 years. It's destroying our public services and our economy.

So, I suppose we don't need to join the Euro to punish ourselves, we can do it all by ourselves!


To be fair, I think lots of us who were against giving up the pound would now give it up, maybe not quite "happily", to go back in.

halfpint1

Maybe its the 'oldies' who want to hang on to the British pound.
As we advance more and more into cashless payments the younger generation may not be so bothered.
The Euro is an extremely efficient currency for the open border countries.

It's nothing to do with being and 'oldie', halfpint, it has a very sound economic reason. Losing sovereign control of the currency truly does lead to problems with the dominant economic ideology which controls the ECB.

Greece went through a terrible period when they were subject to austerity because of ECB economic policy. It was not sound economics, it was just ideology. The UK is experiencing much the same ideological 'austerity' now, and has been for 13 years. It's destroying our public services and our economy.

Maybe its the 'oldies' who want to hang on to the British pound.
As we advance more and more into cashless payments the younger generation may not be so bothered.
The Euro is an extremely efficient currency for the open border countries.

To be honest, I don’t know. I voted remain, but now we’re out I think it would be difficult to rejoin. I wouldn’t want to lose our currency though. Overall, I really don’t know.

We can but hope it will be sooner rather than later!

Liberal Democrats want a way forward which works for Britain - that cuts down red tape, reduces costs for businesses and makes people better off as a result.

Europe represents our closest neighbour and our largest trading partner.

The blunt reality is that fine-tuning and tinkering on the edges of our trading relationship with Europe will not be enough. It will not provide the stability which will boost the British economy.

Today Liberal Democrat members have endorsed a four stage roadmap to establish the UK’s future trading relationship with Europe, benefitting British businesses and families. It starts by acknowledging that ties between the UK and Europe have been deeply damaged by years of haggling and will have to be forged in a new way gradually over time.

The four-stage plan is as follows:

Taking immediate action to improve links with our European neighbours, including building closer ties in education by reforming the government’s Turing scheme.
Further steps to build confidence and establish stronger relationships with Europe, including seeking cooperation agreements with EU agencies, returning to Erasmus Plus and seeking to reach a UK-EU agreement on asylum seekers.
Deepening trade with Europe, including by negotiating greater access for our world-leading UK food and animal products to the Single Market, securing deals on sector-specific work visas and establishing mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Once the trading relationship between the UK and the EU is deepened, and the ties of trust and friendship are renewed, aim to place the UK–EU relationship on a more formal and stable footing by seeking to join the Single Market.

Liberal Democrats are the UK’s most pro-European political party.

We believe Britain’s best future is at the heart of Europe - and our long-term ambition is to see the UK in that place once more.

www.libdems.org.uk/news/article/rebuilding-trade-cooperation-with-europe

Brexit is the biggest mistake ever. I didnt want to leave. I just hope Scotland gets independence as there is such strong feeling the Scots were dragged out against their will. Im still waiting for even one benefit of Brexit.

MayBee70

Michel Barnier has made it clear that the door is always open. As has Guy Verhoffstadt. It’s just that we’ll never get a deal as good as the one we had before. If Labour aren’t careful, though, they’re going to miss the point that the mood in the country has changed. And, if they want to regain Scotland they need to be more openly pro EU.

Yes

Michel Barnier has made it clear that the door is always open. As has Guy Verhoffstadt. It’s just that we’ll never get a deal as good as the one we had before. If Labour aren’t careful, though, they’re going to miss the point that the mood in the country has changed. And, if they want to regain Scotland they need to be more openly pro EU.

I would definitely like us to rejoin the EU I feel European and would love free movement to come back.

We might rejoin a form of customs Union in the medium term but full membership not likley any time soon. Currently the consolidation of Brexit is happening, next year you will need a visa to cross the channel.

I would definitely draw a line at joining the euro, which is what might prevent full membership, but I am very content to work closer and join both the single market and customs union for our businesses to flourish once again.

BlueBelle I was very upset too.. why don’t you think you will be around🤔

I would certainly support rejoining, probably over a 5-yr period or so, and hope that Starmer will become more decisive about it.
Had not thought that joining the euro would be a deal breaker. We haven't done very well with metrication 🥺.

It would not mean joining the Eurozone. That has already been explained by Maizie

I can’t see it happening.France never wanted us to join in the first place.
It would def mean the free movement of people and joining the Eurozone.
It happened and we need to get over it.

Whitewavemark2

I would also much prefer to rejoin, but we must take the majority of the country with us - and not cause such divisions as have been evident since 2016, although I do admit that lately it is more to do with populism and the right wing.

according to a recent Guardian article a survey shows 58% are in favour of rejoining.. possibly not enough yet.

I m like you Norahvoted to stay, cried when we left would love to go back to rejoin but will it happen in my lifetime …. Doubtful… but for you younger guys, rejoice for me if it ever happens and I’m not around

I would also much prefer to rejoin, but we must take the majority of the country with us - and not cause such divisions as have been evident since 2016, although I do admit that lately it is more to do with populism and the right wing.

What struck me on recent threads on this theme is that a number of people said that leaving the EU hadn't made any difference to their lives.

In which case, would they notice if we went back in?

(It would certainly make a difference to those who have been adversely affected...)

I belong to the European Movement and would support rejoining.. I voted remain and have signed the Rejoin EU petition..

Whitewavemark2

I think that we will inevitably have to “work closer” in order to save our economy, and pretty soon, whether a Tory or Labour government.

However re-joining is a way off yet I think.

I agree. Closer alignment to make trading easier, put life back into small businesses, widen opportunities for participation in educational and scientific initiatives - why would anyone want to prevent that?