A chara, – Given the potentially huge impact that a British exit from the EU would have on our nation, I have been following intently the debate in Britain.
Irrespective of the merits or otherwise of the arguments for Britain to stay or leave, I am somewhat perplexed by the unbridled conviction from the leading proponents for Brexit that the subsequent deal, in the event of such an outcome, would involve tariff-free trading and unfettered access to the single market, and without any of the stipulations regarding free movement of people, or adherence to the European human rights laws that form part of other such arrangements with external partners.
Given the pro-Brexit leaders’ disdain for the perceived weak terms reached by David Cameron and the EU, which were agreed in order to persuade the British to stay, one wonders why they subsequently believe that better and even more significant terms would be acceded to by the EU once the die has been cast? Surely such an outcome would encourage other external partners, such as Norway and Switzerland, to argue for significant changes to their trading agreements with the EU, in line with those that were given to the British.
Similarly, given the potential existential crises that a Brexit would have on the European Union, presumably the more committed larger members would be loath to agree exit terms which would encourage others to follow the British on the path towards the EU’s eventual disintegration. – Is mise,
ERIC CREAN,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.