Given recent public discourse on the costs and benefits of the UK's EU membership, David Cameron has called for a referendum on June 23, 2016. The vote will ask "Should the UK remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?"
Recent polls show an even split amongst voters, where David Cameron, Lib Dems, Labor Party, SNP, and Plaid Cymru advocate for remaining in the EU, and the UK Independent Party and some Conservatives argue to leave.
There are many arguments for both sides. Those in favor of maintaining membership believe that the free flow of trade and immigration stimulates the UK's domestic economy and stabilizes the "single market" of the EU. Any state's exit from the EU (some would even apply this to Greece) threatens the collective strength of the union, both economically and politically. Furthermore, EU trade laws make UK products profitable abroad and free from tariffs. It is therefore no wonder that most multinational corporations and commodity producers advocate against the exit. Lastly, the global ramifications could hurt the UK politically, as it may suffer from a damaged reputation if it were to exit.
Reasons for leaving the EU largely circulate around a drive for greater freedom and sovereignty. Some Brits feel that the EU holds back British economic and business prosperity because of regulations and restrictions. They also question the huge cost of membership (some billions a year) versus the perceived benefits. Lastly, some feel very strongly that the right to "free movement" sacrifices British borders and allows too many European immigrants into the country, especially amidst the Syrian refugee crisis.
The outcome of remaining in the EU is laid out in the "special status" that the UK will be granted in this event. The changes will affect child benefit payments for UK workers abroad, migrant welfare to non-UK citizens, London's financial services sector (which currently abides by EU regulations), and free movement. Some limits to free movement are expected to be granted to the UK regardless of the referendum. If the UK leaves, the status of these agreements is subject to huge changes that are difficult to predict.
As a dual citizen of the US and UK, I have concerns about the implications of the Brexit (British exit). Open borders mean that I have a right to work and live in any EU country, without the process of applying for a visa. The UK has more citizens living abroad than any other EU member state, meaning that their rights could be seriously complicated if the UK leaves. Furthermore, as Molly Collet, UPenn junior and UK citizen put it, "To bail out when there are palpable problems is selfish and short-sighted. The UK is a part of Europe, and we should work for a stronger community."
Amidst major financial crises in peripheral EU states, a refugee crises on eastern borders, and important geopolitical concerns abroad, the UK's pending status further threatens the political stability of the region. Andrea Hakim, UK citizen and sophomore at UPenn, said, "If we leave, we wouldn't have a place at the negotiation table concerning European matters that would still affect the UK both politically and economically."
The consequences of the Brexit are ambiguous; the UK could have partial membership or total exclusion. However, the symbolic implications of leaving the European Union are vast, unpredictable, and worrisome.
