Remain Or Leave? Breaking Down The EU Referendum For People Allergic To Politics
[Photo: Rex Features]
We’ve all heard loads about the EU referendum in the past few weeks, and are getting pretty fed up of the words ‘Brexit’ and ‘Remain’. But finally, in just a couple of days, it’s all going to be over as voting day commences on 23 June.
Only problem is that with all the soundbites and facts being thrown at us (which oh-so helpfully all contradict one another), it feels impossible to make sense of each side’s argument. So here’s a quick breakdown of some of the things that might affect you.
Maternity leave
By being part of the EU, we have guaranteed paid maternity leave, holiday pay, and increased protection in the workplace. Remain says that if we left the EU, these rights could be put at risk.
Leave says, however, that maternity leave and holiday pay would only change if Britain decided to change them, and that not having to follow EU regulations like these would create more jobs.
Consumer issues and shopping
Leave argues that current EU ‘red tape’ - such as the tampon tax - makes goods more expensive, while Remain argues that some products - such as flights and mobile charges - are cheaper while we’re in the EU.
Remain also says we can ensure things we buy are better quality thanks to EU laws, but Leave says that consumer protection laws would still exist if we left anyway.
Travel
Currently, all EU members can receive free or cheap healthcare in other EU countries, which Remain says will no longer be the case if we leave. It also says (again) that flights and mobile costs are cheaper in the EU.
Leave, on the other hand, says that there’s no reason going on holiday would be harder if we were outside of the EU, and we could agree upon alternative emergency healthcare deals.
The environment and energy
Leave says that current EU environmental regulations are too much of a burden on businesses, and push up prices - but Remain says that energy bills would rise if we left and that these EU regulations are important for protecting the environment.
Safety and crime
Since the terror attacks in Paris and Brussels, we all want what’s safest for everyone in the UK. Remain says that by being a member of Europol - the European Police Office - we can share knowledge with other EU countries and help one another fight cross-border crime.
Leave argues that by being in the EU, the UK makes it easier for terrorists to come to the UK, and that being part of the EU makes it harder to deport criminals.
Immigration
Finally, immigration has perhaps been the hottest topic of the debate. Leave argues that immigration is impossible to control while we’re still a member of the EU, and that this is affecting our public services and wages.
Remain on the other hand says immigrants pay more taxes than they take out, and that they’re good for the economy. They also argue that even if we left the EU we’d have to let people in anyway in order to trade freely with other countries.
As you’ve probably guessed, each side has some pretty fierce arguments, and one thing’s for sure - we can’t truly know what’ll happen until the final vote is cast.
What do you think you’ll vote, Leave or Remain? Tweet us at @YahooStyleUK.
