There’s been much talk of late within the United Kingdom with regards to our relationship with our fellow Europeans, and whether we want to be in or out of Europe. I’m not a betting man, but if there was a vote tomorrow – I think overwhelmingly, the British people would vote to ‘come out’ of the European Union.

Not because, everyone in Britain is anti-Europe and agrees with all UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party) says – but, because there is a big misunderstanding about the EU and its functions.

Most of us Brits haven’t even got a clue, what the EU actually does.

And, we tend to not like things we don’t understand.

I mean, I didn’t realise the EU had so many institutions that affect the lives of each person in the UK. Like, the European Parliament, European Council, Council of the European Union, European Commission, Court of Justice of the European Union, European Court of Auditors and the European Central Bank.

I got confused just listing all the above, so I can see why UKIP does have a strong foothold in Britain.

It does look like we are run by “Brussels”, but whose fault is this? 

The three main parties of the UK (Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats) have done little to explain to Britons the pros and cons of the EU, allowing UKIP to seize the opportunity with the negatives.

I believe the reason they don’t want to go there, is because it’s of no political benefit at this time.

Being in Europe allows us British to roam freely throughout the European Mainland without borders, something which we take for granted. If we were to exit Europe (the union, anyway), this is something that would go with such a move.

The European Debate is not just about Britain being run by Europe as UKIP would have us believe, but what we stand to lose (and, I suppose gain) if we are no longer a member of the European Club of Nations.

Just some, European Food for Thought

Take care, Max.