In my first post on this topic, I discussed the implications of the upcoming EU Referendum on our influence in EU nations, through the gospel and in other ways.
Here I’d like to highlight two other, interlinked reasons that lean me towards voting Remain.
One is its historical roots following the world wars to promote peace and stability – through interdependence – in Europe.
This powerful, positive message by Gordon Brown expresses my feeling on that particular point much more effectively than I can. It is well worth watching! How refreshing to hear a Remain politician focus on principles, values and the common good, rather than simply the economic argument or the fear of impending doom.
The second is, I guess, the “do unto others as you would have them do onto you” type of principle that Jesus taught. In other words, the question for me is, “Would I be happy for the EU to totally fragment (i.e. for all EU countries to decide to Leave in time)?” I think not, particularly from in terms of the stability and relative peace that (I believe) the EU has had a role in since the last World War.
What about you? Whether it’s likely or not to happen, how would you feel about an opt out by all countries, the end of the EU?
Some say that NATO has been responsible for “peace” in our time. I don’t know enough to evaluate that claim. The probable answer is that both have been important.
I recognise that the size of the EU has grown, especially in more recent times. At the same time, the underlying motivation, which has been about stability and prosperity through economic interdependence, has increasingly shifted towards political union (which I am opposed to). The Telegraph has a piece on “What is the EU and why was it created?”
Furthermore, it could argued that freedom of movement and mass net immigration into Western Europe is actually disrupting the cultural fabric of those societies and giving rise to growing nationalist, fascist and extremist tendencies. I don’t know how true that is – or whether that is a result more so of the economic and employment pressure caused by the recession. Perhaps both?!
In the next post, I explore some other issues – mostly concerns with the EU.
In the meantime, I welcome you thoughts.
Tags: EU Referendum
Profoundly PK 
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