Many people will say that Britain has never really been comfortable in the European Club. There are probably a number of reasons for that. Perceived loss of national identity is a biggie. Some people do highlight the Norwegians and the Swiss as a fine example of having Free Trade with Europe, and being able to survive outside the EU. I do look at this and think it certainly is possible that Britain could do ok on the outside.
With the modern EU containing 27 Member States, decisions will always be taken by Qualified Majority Voting. That means the UK will sometimes have to accept legislation from Europe it does not support. Let's not forget though that Europe is the market in which many British products and services are sold. We will sometimes get outvoted, but for me it is better to actually have a vote. We would have less say on the outside.
I believe we would be better in than out. However, I do believe it is time we held a new referendum. Most of the current electorate did not vote in the 1975 referendum. That factor along with the general debate about Britain's future in Europe, does I believe require a fresh mandate from the people to end the uncertainty one way or another.
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