To be worried that the Brexiteers might be wrong and an economic disaster is waiting if we leave?

[Girlwithnotattoos]

What if we wake up on Friday out of the EU, probably nothing immediately other than some soul searching by the remainders. But what about in the months to come? What if all the economists and world leaders were right? We could be heading down the swanny big time, companies moving to the EU proper, jobs going left right and centre, deficit increasing because of lost revenues (taxes, vat etc).

I've listened to the fervent Brexiteers who have dismissed everything put to them as propaganda and yet they still haven't come up with a plan to counter the 'what if' scenarios. Am I the only one to be worried that nobody has a plan B if the economy does slow down to tune of 1.4%to 6% as predicted bearing in mind that a reduction of just 0.4% would counteract any saving to be made on what we contribute to the EU?

I suspect the majority of those saying they're 'prepared to take the pain' for the short term (5 years? 10 years?) are in a financial position to do so (equity, savings, pension etc).

Completely the opposite in fact if demographic poling is to be believed.

No one can guarantee anything whether we stay or leave.

Londonrach I'll tell you how to vote - remain.

Simply because if you are unsure I would listen to the majority of experts. They know better than anyone on this thread, any of your friends, any journalists.

And the majority of experts from all kinds of fields believe we should stay in.

My parents are voting leave, based on long term Daily Mail reading and remembering "how it used to be". DH's parents are voting based on "all those immigrants coming over". Which has had zero impact on their lives anyway.

Neither have considered the economic ramifications, won't even look into it or do any further reading. Their attitude is 'it won't happen' or 'we'll be OK'.

I am genuinely terrified about the vote and what it will do to the economy. and even more furious with them that they haven't made their opinion (whatever it may be) based on more research

Having known of several (massive, huge employers) saying they will leave to their staff if the leave vote goes through, I am inclined to believe that the country will be absolutely screwed for many years to come.

if you want to find out more about how the EU works and the UK's place within it. It's about half an hour long, but well worth watching.

I wouldn't actually 'tell' anyone how to vote.

I have only ever given my opinion.

The only economic disaster that's guaranteed is that within the Eurozone. The further the UK is distanced from that, the better.

^to add to my post, in which I complain about parents using anecdotal evidence to make their decision and then appear to do the same, I should have added that I have read the expert opinions too. I believe them over any anecdote.

My parents are voting leave, based on long term Daily Mail reading and remembering "how it used to be". hmm DH's parents are voting based on "all those immigrants coming over". Which has had zero impact on their lives anyway.

Neither have considered the economic ramifications, won't even look into it or do any further reading. Their attitude is 'it won't happen' or 'we'll be OK'.

My next door neighbour is voting remain because they want cheap holidays.

My step MIL is voting remain as she 'likes' Jeremy Corbyn and that's what he's doing (yes really)

Neither at all interested in looking up anything about it.

It happens on both sides.

You can't compare Switzerland non EU membership to the UK voting to leave. That's like comparing apples and pears.

Dh and l voted a few weeks ago (postal vote) but l will be glad when Friday comes and hopefully the majority voted to remain.

The elephants in the room - globalisation and neo liberalism.

Over the last 30 years we have heard politicians talk of "the free market knows best". This mantra has led to the decline of British manufacturing, the sell off of public assets, the commodification of housing all to the detriment of ordinary people.

Brexiters talk about Britain being the 5th largest economy in the world and that we can survive on our own. If so why are families in poverty, why food banks, why poverty wages, unaffordable housing? Its capitalism, stupid.

The EU did not cause the economic melt down of 2008. Osborne helped bail out the Irish government because the UK and Irish economies are so intrinsically tied.

The EU being responsible for UK's woes is a red herring but no "establishment" politician or business person wants to talk about capitalism.

Brexit will not offer a utopia for workers and ordinary people. It is pie in the sky.

I think the most succint explanation of some of the problems leaving would cause is here.

All our trade agreements are through the EU at present, and a lot are based on our having access to the single market.
If we leave we can use WTO as the basis for new agreements but it will take time and they probably won't be as favourable if we're not in the single market.
If we do join the single market as a non member we will have to pay nearly the same as we're paying now (*taking into account our rebate and what the EU pays back into the UK). We would also have to abide by the rules they set (including FOM) but would not have a say in the European Parliament. We would also lose our veto.

I think the most succint explanation of some of the problems leaving would cause is here.

He is also a remain voter

Ok pug...decision made! Can relax now. Trouble is neither side knows exactally whats going to happen so its voting for two unknows.....

I firmly believe Tony Blair was only elected because he had a nice smile, and Gordon Brown wasn't, because he didn't.

For everyone on here who's done their research, there are millions out there who haven't.

Limer so in the event we leave, our banks will magically no longer have anything to do with French banking and all trade with Europe will cease, along with all movement of people? Because that's the only way a eurozone disaster wouldn't affect the UK. We don't pay into many bailout funds as it is.

In fact the last eurozone crisis BENEFITED the UK in many ways! We could borrow cheaply.

For everyone on here who's done their research, there are millions out there who haven't.

Exactly.

The EU being responsible for UK's woes is a red herring but no "establishment" politician or business person wants to talk about capitalism.
the EU NOT being responsible for UK's woes is also a red herring.
If being in is so wonderful how do you equate that with the current state of the economy/infrastructure being so bad.
let us give it a try at choosing our own future instead of being shackled to a superstate - or have so many people lost their bottle or are too selfish to see beyond their next European holiday.

Blair had a nice smile?!

Rip John Smith

I am over 60, retired with a good pension, mortgage paid. I have already voted Remain for the following reasons;
After centuries of war between European states there has been no war in W Europe in my life time. The binding together of the European economy has been a major factor.
Contact between ordinary citizens in different EU states helps to cement this.It helps to diffuse 'the other' if you know individual 'others'. My son has benefitted enormously through the Erasmus scheme. Allowing him to study in Spain and Portugal.

I love the ease of travel across Europe. The low air fares and the end of roaming charges thanks to EU.

I feel European. I don't identify with the 'Little Englander' mentality. The arrogance of some Brits makes me cringe. I don't want my son and his family to live in a country dominated by such views.

I have deliberately not mentioned economics.

None of the above has changed for me since the beginning of the campaign. However I now feel just as strongly in favour of Remain for a different reason.

I do not want to see the government of this country sized by a right wing cabal. Bojo, Gove etc are in this for a power grab. They are using the EU as a vehicle to propel them to power. Would you really trust the NHS in the hands of a man who has started the process of privatising schools and the justice system?

If being in is so wonderful how do you equate that with the current state of the economy/infrastructure being so bad.
let us give it a try at choosing our own future instead of being shackled to a superstate - or have so many people lost their bottle or are too selfish to see beyond their next European holiday.

I'm voting remain because I do not want the UK to turn into an insular, economic basket case. Gove and Johnson talk about a post EU Britain being some sort of utopia for workers rights. They are Tories FFS!

Problems with infrastructure are the result of UK governments. The EU has invested money into deprived areas (see Merseyside). I wouldn't expect the Tories to do it. The recent sell off of Royal Mail and Probation Service - caused by UK government - not EU. Our problems, are far closer to home.

Because Switzerland and Norway are just struggling so much.

Basket cases on their own?

Neither at all interested in looking up anything about it.

This is why I think that a referendum on this is entirely inappropriate, given how uninformed most people are.

Let's say the turnout on the 23rd is 65%. 65% of people in this country can't possibly understand all of the economic, political, legal, social, military and financial ramifications of a decision to leave.

Brexit will not offer a utopia for workers and ordinary people. It is pie in the sky.

Unfortunately, maybe I live in an area where the chances of my children obtaining work if things don't change will be Pie in the Sky

Those voting to Remain I hope you never have to experience the downside of being in the EU.

Dp is terminally ill and so we have experienced the 12 +hour waits in A&E.
and filling a prescriptions is a lottery .

I dont recognise this Utopia we supposedly have by being in the EU .

Yanbu. I think it would really rock us. And just when green shoots of recovery are appearing.

As with housing, NHS problems are home grown, result of domestic UK policy.

UK has forged links with the biggest trading block in the world. Why undo that when any alternative has not even been agreed? Again, its pie in the sky.

Under Brexit the poor will remain poor. Only a more altruistic, socially democratic UK government can change that - if they want. I would not expect Johnson, Gove, IDS, Farage to be the champions of the poor or indeed, working people.