The EU Referendum.

[astral276]

In the hope of bringing some life back to these forums...

The EU Referendum. Discuss.

[damian_steele]

Same as the Scottish one; no real info from either side, just lots of scare mongering.

Still think that dodgy Dave C will find a way to screw us over in some way.

[PetBazaar]

Same as the Scottish one;

In that case, here's a rough guide to what to expect...

The "In" side will be regarded as nothing short of saintly, no matter what they say and do
And the "Out" side will be regarded as crazed nutters with no grip on reality whatsoever.

The "In" side will demand that the "Out" side explain what their situation will be 5 years after they win, whilst refusing to give straight answers on their own position right now.
The "Out" side will be slated for being unable to predict the future.
The "In" side won't be slated for being barely able to recognise the present.

The "In" side will use all the levers (underhand or not) at their disposal to discredit the "Out" side.
The "Out" side will be condemned for doing so much as putting a sticker in a controversial location.

The BBC will claim to be impartial, but won't be.
The print media will be completely biased, but will be furious if you suggest it.

Both sides will misrepresent each other's position.
Both sides will condemn the other for misrepresenting their position.

At some point, someone will accuse the other side of being Nazis.
It will probably be the Daily Mail.
Others, who should know better, will keep doing it.
They will claim that it's "tongue in cheek" or "satire".
It won't be. Not really.

The "Out" side will have a the support of a substantial part of the population.
The "In" side will have the support of a substantial part of industry and establishment.

The "In" side will make lots of promises towards the end of the campaign.
Some soft "Out" voters and some undecided will finally decide on "In"

The "In" side will win.

The "In" side won't keep any of the promises made only a week or so earlier.
The "In" side will be outraged by the suggestion that they haven't kept their promises.
The "In" side will wish the "Out" side would just go away.

The "Out" side won't go away.

[astral276]

'Lord' Rose, chairman of Britain Stronger in Europe:

Asked to say in a "Tweet" of less than 140 characters why Britons should vote to stay in the EU, he said: "I think about my family, it is about our future, prosperity and security, and it is about being in a club that gives us more clout in the world."

I really don't think that multi-millionaire Rose (valued in excess of 34 million in 2011) needs, barring a global nuclear apocalypse, have much concern about his family's future - regardless of the outcome. The likes of him will always find a trough to feed from and somewhere to live the high life.

He also states:

A win’s a win. If we get the 50.001 [per cent] it is a win...

I wonder if he would view a vote to leave of 50.001% as a win for the Brexit side? Or would that be an inconclusive result requiring another referendum (until the right answer is given)?

The Brexit campaigns need to get their acts together and stop bickering amongst themselves before they throw the whole thing away.

[astral276]

I do feel a bit sorry for Cameron. He never expected to lead the UK into a referendum on EU membership. He never thought that the Conservatives would win the last General Election, and only added the referendum to the manifesto to prevent a massive haemorrhage of Tory votes to UKIP (basically a damage limitation exercise). He then, suddenly, finds himself back in power and with the promise of a referendum around his neck. So now he has to hold a referendum while ensuring that it changes nothing.

[buttons-and-bows]

I want to vote out but am concerned if we do what the idiot in number ten will do to this country when / if he has total control over it. so to date I am unsure.

[astral276]

I want to vote out but am concerned if we do what the idiot in number ten will do to this country when / if he has total control over it. so to date I am unsure.

Assuming he keeps at least one promise he will not be around for long. Even if he stays you have the chance to get rid of him at the next General Election. If we vote to stay in the EU in the referendum we will not get another chance to have a say. The EU will make sure of that.

For once I'm glad to be the age I am. As, if the vote is to remain, I will likely not be alive long enough to witness the UK cease to exist.

[MPS16]

I bet you will never guess what my true feelings are towards the EU.

[buttons-and-bows]

I bet you will never guess what my true feelings are towards the EU.

Oh now let me think...........Er yes about the same as mine i guess

[buttons-and-bows]

Mel, can that man keep any promises. I hate his guts, rolling his shirt sleeves up to make him look like one of us, I best shut up as I already got in trouble writing to him and IDS telling them what I thought.