Last Friday we reported on our Daily Buzz that PM Cameron would be meeting with the European Council to discuss the UK’s future relationship with the European Union; and earlier in January we covered the PM in Davos discussing his views of the UK in Europe. The discussions and negotiations mark a hugely significant turning point for the UK, but also for the EU and the rest of the world. As such, it is of course a hugely complex and highly political debate – which makes independent, objective research on the implications leaving would have quite scarce, if at all present.
It is quite clear that the economical impact is leading in many arguments – the latest being whether HSBC would move their 1000 banking jobs to Paris. Other areas that feed into the economy relate to whether leaving the EU would stifle innovation, create more skill shortages, and reduce investment in progressive research. However, there is also the equally relevant issues of governance, which seem to heavily touch a cord with the general public: does the UK electorate want to be part of an EU superstate governed by unelected politicians in Brussels?
As this Buzz emerges, European leaders are in Brussels negotiating whether a deal can be made or not. European council chief Tusk suggested that talks could well go on until this Sunday, as a deal would require all 28 states to be in agreement.