So far during the referendum campaign I have remained undecided. Both camps have created a lot of white noise while failing to address the concerns I have had.
I do not support unbridled free trade. Free trade within Europe and around the world has seen the goliath transnational companies expand to serve the ever – growing markets that trade agreements have afforded them. Free to locate where production costs are lowest and profits highest, tax avoidance strategies allow them even higher returns while denying the host nations much needed investment capital.
Owners of these goliaths have become uber- rich, obliterating small, local businesses, increasing global inequality and fuelling mass migrations.
To support local producers here in the UK and small producers in the global south, I try to buy a little less and pay a little more, supporting fair trade not free trade.
The Remain side argue we need the economic benefits of European free trade. But what about the devastating impact on the climate of encouraging the continuation of mass consumption (often of rubbish) and what about our small producers? Additionally, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) terrifies me.
Brexit agrees we’ll need these free trade agreements but they argue we’ll gain control of our borders. This is nonsense. Access to markets, which results in competing with and often disrupting local, family run businesses, cannot come while refusing displaced labour the right to move to where the work is concentrated. We can’t have both.
And Brexit makes much of our membership of NATO even though NATO has covertly encouraged the geo –political decisions behind European expansion into the former eastern bloc countries, including Ukraine.
Ultimately I want what is best for the next generation – secure, sustainable, economic development that reduces carbon emissions and is fairly spread between countries so people don’t have to migrate. Crucial to achieving this goal will be continued peace in Europe.
With all its flaws, the existence of the EU has maintained European peace. There is little doubt that if Brexit triumphs the EU project could easily collapse. Some might cheer. But we must be careful what we wish for. A collapse of the whole project and the possible end to peace on our continent is more terrifying than anything. I do not want the UK to set Europe on this calamitous path.
So I’ll be voting to remain. And then I’ll join others across Europe who want more reforms that will help the Davids, contain the Goliaths and give us our best hope of peace.
Jane Burnet
Chickerell, Dorset