How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Since it's being discussed in various threads at the minute, if there was a referendum on Europe tomorrow, how would you vote?

To be as fair as possible, it's a Yes, to vote for continuing membership, and a No, to withdraw from the European Union.

The ballot will be a secret one.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I voted NO last time, and I'd do the same again - given the chance!

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Me too!
I think I am allergic to the phrase 'European Union'....it makes me come out in hives and causes me to shudder.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

'Both Norway and Switzerland are strong economic and rich countries, which is believed to be the reason for their non-participation in the European Union.'

http://www.euimmigration.org/noneu.html

Which won't be said of Britain in the future, if we're to be fined if we don't provide immediate social benefits, to every eager beaver that hops of the European ferry.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I would like to stress, it is a secret poll.

Although if you look at 'Who is currently on-line', and only one person's reading the thread, and seconds later the poll changes...well it doesn't take a rocket scientist.

Odd.

What some people say.

As opposed to do.

Quite telling.

:rolleyes:

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

A definite NO. We seemed to manage better than we do today without all the baggage that seems to come with membership. Alas i can't see a referendum ever occurring as the numpties in power never want to hear how those that voted them in feel about such things. :mad:

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

They might be forced to start listening to what people actually want, come the next election.

There isn't a mood for passivity, there was before the outrageous way politicans acted in wanting to keep their expenses secret...for 'security issues'.

There's definitely a mood for more transparency, and greater democracy.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

This was in the 'boom' years, 2005.

Britain 'gets less out of EU than anyone' - Telegraph

Well before the bust, and the chaotic meltdown of the Euro, and threats the U.K. will face multi-milliom pound fines if it doesn't provide social benefits for European migrants, who've never paid a penny into the national pot.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I'm a definite No, and have no fear of saying so, and it seems I'm not alone, from reading subsequent posts.

Anyone equally proud to say they're a Yes voter?

:rolleyes:

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Bit sneaky Garinda to advertise a secret poll and the discuss individual votes. You have to be accountable. I have mixed feelings coming from a traditional socialist standpoint which has always had a general anti Eu view.

I did however come down not the side of yes on the basis it will come down to an issue of employment and taking on multi nationals.

Its also the best chance of sorting other issues such as fishing. There is a real issue waste and bureaucracy and Britains bloated confribution. Issue of EU laws is swings and roundabouts.

I have always previously been anti-European but the world is getting bigger than the UK.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

'In 2009 the taxpayers of United Kingdom contributed to the European Union 72 euros per head over what they received. Since its accession to the EU the country has paid to the European Union EUR 86524 million over what it has received.'
MONEY-GO-ROUND.EU -

Still at least the Brits who work there will be laughing...all the way to the bank.

Especially the Kinnocks.

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: Lord & Lady Kinnock's £10m Euro gravy train

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Not sneaky.

Just per chance, that I saw it happen.

I'm going to bed soon, so won't see it happen again.

Besides, it's much more useful providing facts. To illustrate how as a nation we are being shafted by our new European masters.

Plus, we already know how non-insular Internationlist Bernard will vote. As he's already nailed his colours to the mast.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

So, in twenty four hours you've gone from being 'split' if there was a referendum, to supporting continued membership of the E.U.?

That must be down to your love of change and evoloution, you posted you were so keen on earlier in the week.

:rolleyes:

Certainly not a threat to anyone.

I have no idea who I'll vote for in the next General Election, but I can state as a fact it won't be for any candidate who supports continued membership of the E.U..

This issue is even bigger than the economic injustice.

Continuing E.U. membership will have catastrophic consesquences for the social and democratic rights the people of this country have fought long and hard to attain.

Only the woefully naive will see the United States of Europe as bringing peace and prosperity.

It will bring untold misery, and bloodshed.

Anyone who knows me, knows I say this as someone who certainly isn't a Little Englander, and as someone who is a strong opponent of extremist politics.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Couldn't agree more.

Which seems odd that we should be so closely tied economically, with just our European neighbours.

Not the emerging power house economies.

One of which we already have close associations with, through the Commonwealth.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

My heart says NO but my head keeps asking about the implications of breaking agreements that have been signed over the past 40 years while we've been members.

If we go for a divorce, how much alimony will we be saddled with?

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

We should be worrying about what will happen in the next 140 years, and the state Britain will be in for our children, and grandchildren.

Bernard accuses those who are anti-E.U. of being 'insular'.

That certainly can't be said of the ever expanding politcal entity that the E.U. has become.

Will Britain be issued with similar crippling fines, if we don't provide generous social benefits on arrival, for the seventy million Turks who'll inevitably soon become members of the E.U., or the millions who live in dirt poor countries, once part of that other unworkable body, the U.S.S.R.?

None of whom will have paid one penny into this country's pot.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Many people still think of the UK’s contribution to the EU as a small sum. But under the 2007-13 financial perspective the UK’s contribution, after the reduced rebate, will be £10.2 billion a year.

To put the scale of this expenditure into context, this money could alternatively be used to:

- Cut council tax by nearly 50%:
- Build 40 brand new general hospitals each year
- Employ an extra 320,000 nurses each year
- Cut the main rate of corporation tax by 11p
- Cut the basic rate of income tax by 3p
- Raise the inheritance threshold from £300,000 to £2,925,000
- Raise the income tax personal allowance by £2000
- Cut petrol duty by 75%
- Pay the total bill for the London Olympics in less than one year.
http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/budget07.pdf

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

'Britain is the biggest loser from a massive £300 billion Brussels scheme to boost regional spending. (December 2010.)

The UK will get less than £160 per head of population from the EU’s structural and cohesion funds, set up to *narrow the gap between rich and poor European Union nations.

Even France and Germany, among the richest nations, get more than Britain, it emerged yesterday in figures obtained by non-profit making research group Bureau for Investigative Journalism.'

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: UK is biggest loser in £300bn EU handouts

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Well I was always pro Europe, but have certainly changed over recent years, when an organisation we joined to improve our trading with other member countries, grows into the mish mash it has become today, plus the fact we always seem to get the mucky end of the stick (I can't understand why, even though we are not in the euro zone we are expected to finance those who were daft enough to join) I think its time to (as John Wayne would have said) get the hell out of there

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

WE(well, Ted Heath actually) gave away the fishing rights in order to get into the EEC.......so are you saying that after all these years, Britain is going to demand their ball back, and the EU are going to hand it over?

Somehow, I don't think that is going to happen.

We 'sleep walked' into this mess and there isn't a political party who have either the knowledge or the guts to clean it up.

I try to console myself into thinking it could have been much worse if we had followed Tony Blair's desire to join the Euro.......I try, but it doesn't work for me.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Nail -> head

EU is not where we should be focussed. As someone who was pro europe for a time even I can see that the power now lies much further away.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

One of the arguments in favour of joining the EU was that a stronger Europe could BENEFIT from trade with emerging nations.

The problem has been that far from strengthening Europe, the EU has weakened it because it failed to recognise the vast differences in the economic stability of each of its members. Instead of addressing those differences, it has swept them under the carpet, and has even "fiddled" the figures to allow new countries to join. Why was Greece allowed to keep the retirement age of 62?

The current problems have always been an accident waiting to happen.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Rather than be economically tied to mainland Europe, we should be capitalising on the fact that the international language of business in the world is English!

If Switzerland, with it's three official languages, and Norway, who are isolated in the fact that Norwegian is spoken nowhere else of any importance, can have strong economies, and good international trade links with the rest of the world, without having E.U. membership, we should be making the most of this massive language advantage.

This is ignoring the fact that not one member of the public in this country ever voted to have a government based in Brussels, issuing laws totally unconnected to trade, that we are now forced to live under.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

That, and the fact that it is undemocratic for us to have laws foisted on us by faceless(unelected) bureaucrats, who care nothing of the fabric of our society.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

In the interest of fairness, and balance, yes voters, please feel free to provide facts and figures, illustrating how the British people have benefited from membership of the European Union.

As it seems the evidence doesn't seem to be getting through to those who are funding it.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Same old same old that Bernard came out with - it's better to stay in because we can somehow "reform" the waste and bureaucracy of the EU. Absolutely no chance. The EU's own auditors have refused to sign off its accounts for 14 successive years because the whole organisation is so terminally corrupt. Do you think Britain on its own can make the slightest difference?

As for reforming our "bloated contribution" you must be joking. Whatever you think of Thatcher, one good thing she did was to "handbag" the EU's leaders into giving us our rebate. Blair has already given part of that away and for absolutely nothing in return. The EU mandarins are already talking about turning the screws on us even more.

I think though, that the final straw will be the imposition of the EU's directive on us to pay a full range of benefits to any EU citizen who pitches up, regardless of whether they have any connection with this country or whether they have paid anything into the system. This is so outrageously unfair, that all the scare stories from the political great and good, the CBI and anyone else will not make one iota of difference. All the more so, when, as Gary points out Turkey and other Eastern European countries join.

Unfortunately, it won't come to a referendum because those at the top in the Labour, Tory and LibDem parties don't share your confidence in the probability of a "stay in" vote. In fact, they're scared to death of the people actually having a say in the matter.

Personally, I won't be voting for any party that supports our continued membership of the EU.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

How can the major players in the EU be relied upon to sort out the failing countries(and it isn't just Greece.......Spain, Portugal and Italy have their backs to the wall too) when they cannot get the EU budgets signed off?? Shouldn't that be a worrying signal??? As Steve says it isn't just one year that they have failed to pass budgetary scrutiny. It is an incredible 14 years. What would we do if this were a business failing in such basic financial standards? It would go to the wall and never be heard of again.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Ya Margaret if that had been a private company the Official Receiver would have been in ages ago;)

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Peoples' desire for autonomy was the ultimate downfall of that other mad social experiment, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Folks will grudgingly accept and abide by laws passed in their own countries.

They're never as keen when forced to do so by some foreign power, from miles, and miles away.

Seems we're not either.

Judging by the poll...so far.

Especially if the votes of politicans are ignored.

:rolleyes:

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

How does one avoid being "insular" when one lives on an island. :confused:

Come to think of it, I've never thought of the British as being "European", even when I lived there. Living on an island, surrounded by that big, beautiful moat, makes the folks there different from those on the mainland.

I can't vote because I'm a Canadian citizen, and, surprisingly, under 18:eek: However, if I could, I would vote "out".

It will be interesting to see if any of the major parties makes membership in the EU (either "in" or "out") a plank in their official platform. I very much doubt it, except maybe for the Lib-Dems, and the way they are going it seems as if "major" is not an appropriate adjective for the party.

By the way, Happy Thanksgiving, eh.:D:D:D

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Eric, I don't think we will ever be given the 'in or out' vote.
If we do get to vote, it will be on some convoluted issue, and couched in terms that make a general understanding difficult.

I do not consider myself European. Geography makes me English, British if pushed....and yes it does make us different.

Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Sadly the last Labour government reneged on a pre-election pledge that we would have a referendum on the E.U. treaty.

The lying snakes.

Encouraging news...

BBC News - 100,000 sign petition calling for EU referendum

Even more so, because there's some cross-party support.

From those better able to judge the mood of the country, outside of their protective political bubble.

Apparently Super Ed's none too keen on a yes/no referendum though.

Saying there won't be one if he becomes Prime Minister.

(Dream on Dobbin.)

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: Ed Miliband rules out referendum on EU

Still, that's at least one (No) vote he's got.

From me...come the next election.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

If this Government e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it 'could' prompt the issue being discussed in a parliamentary debate.

Britain wants referendum to leave EU - e-petitions

It currently stands at 34,893.

http://www.tinoruiz.com/images/smiley-typing.gif

Er...34,894.

:rolleyes:

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

that will be.......34,895 now.

Thanks for the link G!

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Signed up, cheers, Gary.

What a disgrace that our so-called democratic politicians have to be dragged kicking and screaming into even discussing an issue that is of great concern and has huge implications for the British people.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Although our elected member at Westminster thinks a referendum would be very close, the straw poll on her seems to say different, doubt if we will be give the opportunity to put it too the test ;)

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

A couple of questions -I still haven't made up my mind, but I'm almost there.

When did the e-petition start? (Just to work out how many a day are subscribing to it)

How many people are on the electoral register in the UK? (To work out what % 100,000 is)

I've read this thread through and a few others recently about the subject of a referendum. There seems to be a very vocal group for, not much against but i can't get an idea of the number of the apathetic group -who probably form the majority. How many people use this site actively - I don't want to be a spoilsport or anything -i think i'm more a realist than an idealist these days.
The problem is always the same that so few people actually bother to get interested in things if they don't feel personally touched by them and people really have got blasé about the importance of the actual right they have to vote and have forgotten it's real power if used.
My fear is that even if there was a referendum; which is dubious as none of the politicians in power or in opposition currently want there to be one; that actual turnout would be so low as to result in there not being a quorum. I would, of course, have to organise a postal vote - minor hassle - I think I can see myself lining up with a detachment from the E.U. though ... (Still haven't voted)

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I am the apathetic.

Or was until recently.

This is wrong.

Period.

The British people voted to join an economic trade alliance.

That certainly isn't what the European Union is today.

What has happened, and will continue to happen, is too important an issue for this country's future, to ignore.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

...and before those who live abroad get too jittery, if the U.K. wasn't in the E.U., my best friends live in Gran Canaria, and by far the greatest number of foreigners living there are Norwegians.

Norewgian banks, school, shops, radio station, newpapers, the whole caboodle.

People who come from a country with a strong economy, and are welcomed to live where they like...all as non-E.U. members.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Trust me.

It's our elected politicans, who for whatever reason, who are suffering from apathy.

Vast numbers of oridinary people are utterly sick and tired of what's happening, and are demanding a say in their own destiny...before it's too late.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Since you have become a graduate of the Westminster Brain Washing College, Graham, it is hardly surprising that your views are aligned with those of your lacklustre paymasters. The sooner the powers that be are FORCED into following the will of the people, the sooner we will escape the clutches of Brussels . . . and the nation as a whole is bound to benefit from it.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

We've certainly had our disagreements in the past, and if we're united in our thinking, it shows people across a whole spectrum of society demand a right to have their say, about their future.

Admittedly Accy Web is just a small cross-section of the populous.

But you can't ignore the fact that the vast majority of people, regardless of political allegiances, want a referendum on whether we should be E.U. members, or not.

No candidate, no political party, who doesn't actively support, and give a cast iron gurantee there will be a referendum, will get my vote...ever again.

Talking to others, I'm not alone.

Some better wise up, to public, rather than political opinion, rather quickly.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

As far as I can make out, it was started in March.

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: Campaign for EU referendum starts

It's risen by nearly 100 in the last twenty four hours.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

A lot of people who probably would vote against the EU will know nothing about this petition...you have to have a computer and be computer literate to access it.
Many people of my mothers generation(and there are still a far number of them about) will not be either of those things........but would vote.

I'm pretty sure that apathy was a factor in us going into the EU(though it was the EEC back then) in the first place. I think if people had really realised what the great long term aims were, they would have acted differently...or at least I hope they would.

I feel like we, as a nation, were sold down the river.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Signed, Gary. Thanks for the link.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

That's me I'm afraid -though it's having devastating effects on agriculture here...

I'm the original nationalist -lived here in Italy half my life -have never considered taking out citizenship, and never would , am glad my sons have a Brittish passport and w ould never have allowed the Channel tunnel to have been built if I'd had anything to do with it....

What am I doing here i ask myself -you could ask the same....circumstance!?!:rolleyes::D

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I personally have no objection to a simple in out vote. Settles the issue democratically. I have no axe to grind either way. There are arguments on both sides. Jobs v legislative independence, Employers v uncontrolled EU migration. Directives v getting rid of 27 layers of bureaucracy and red tape, protection against globalisation v capital flight. I think the jobs and the fact that in my experience through the European Committee, EU knows what it is doing and does it well, the UK doesn't particularly around protecting it's citizens sub as consumer protection and a big stake to shake at big business bad practices.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

the biggest problem is simply folk can have no objections at all to a poll, but the simpletons at the top end of "All Parties" do. its that simple.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

The Norwegians and the Swiss are able to live wherever they like in Europe.

They are welcomed, not as E.U. members, but as people who come from places with considerable economic wealth, who happen to be independent of any binding alliances.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Graham, what the European Union has become, not one person British person voted for.

It was an economic community, the last time people were allowed their say, in 1975.

It is no longer a trade alliance.

That isn't democracy.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Ok G, but where does that apply to me? Or to those who live working for the EU -I have several friends.... Thay have already suffered cut-backs and how many jobs would be lost by a withdrawal by the UK? Questions not criticisms - you understand....

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

i worry that we are already too tied up by the whole "Europe" thing....

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

The world is a village - that's the populist maxim -if we withdraw from being a part of a bigger entity do we not risk diminishing ourselves...

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Yes, this happens to be a link to the Daily Mail.

Right-wing, axe to grind, blah, blah, blah.

But it's been widely reported in all the press.

Justify this, and tell me what it has to do with a trade alliance.

Fined £150million for failing to fly the EU flag: Now British firms are told how to fight back | Mail Online

Even more interesting would be a justification for this absolute madness.

'Last night the European Commission said it would take the Government to court unless it draws up plans to axe restrictions on claims by immigrants, saying they are against the law and must be scrapped.'

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Yes, I'm afraid the E.U. gravy train would run dry for some, if Britain was to withdraw.

In the long-term, for the sake of the nation, that's a small price to pay.

Brits lived happily throughout Europe for at least a century before 1973.

They were welcomed, because they either had skills, or wealth to offer.

I can't see that changing.

It hasn't for the Norwegians and Swiss.

Money talks.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I think that's at the heart of the problem unfortunately...

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

So much for this being an anonymous poll then...I'm not scared of my thoughts being known...

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Yes, money does talk.

So do we.

When we say 'Au revoir' to it.

As we wave it off, when it leaves to go to the E.U.

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: UK is biggest loser in £300bn EU handouts

British pensioners among the poorest in Europe - Times Online

UK '£9bn worse off' over EU rebate - Public Service

Our elderly worse off than Romania's: British pensioners among the poorest in Europe | Mail Online

UK left £4.3bn worse off in EU funding shake up

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

it's not just the UK that's feeling the pinch













Don't want to be a walk-over but....

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

It is a secret poll.

It was purely a fluke I saw Graham do it.

Vote how you would in a referendum.

You lose no respect for that, however you vote.

Bernard I'll never agree with on this matter, and I hope he will change his mind, one day.

He won't, and I respect that.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

No, you're right.

It's tough for those non-insular, 'Internationalists', who stupidly signed up for a common currency.

Small mercy. On that issue.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

You can all thank "whoever" that you don't have to live with the Euro right now.....

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

That would be Gordon Brown........it is a very small mercy that we are thanking him for.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

It's wrong that this has happened and many other negatives. I won't shed a single tear If we have a vote and the outs win. A referendum is fine by me. I do feel whilst the abuses are batted about they are small fry to the 'economy stupid' as Clinton once said.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I cant see any government giving us a referendum on geting out the EU because both labour and conservitive have proven they dont give a damn about public opinion unless its near election time and any issue regarding the EU will be swept away long before any election occurs.

Local mps vote the way they are ordered to vote just like what happens in councils.

Votes are often wasted on saving face and showing unity rather than actually doing what is best for the country or area :rolleyes:

Its about time polititions were reminded that we are their boss not their party leader but how to go about that ?

Nov 5th isnt too far away

brb checking ebay for gunpowder ;)

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

European Union Pollwatch - Opinion Polls. Leaving the EU is supported by a majority of British People

Eu polls.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

European Union Pollwatch - Opinion Polls. Leaving the EU is supported by a majority of British People

Eu polls.

Latest Angus Reid 49-25 out

There seems a trend that younger voters are more pro Europe and old people anti Europe

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Thats not always true, it depends how quick a person comes on votes and then reads another thread. You might not have refreshed fast enough to see someone pop on vote and click new posts again.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

yeah probably because younger people dont realize were getting screwed at every turn and have grown up in a country with nothing to boast of because anything this country ever had has either folded or been sold off .Christ teh majority of our banks are owned by other countries :rolleyes:

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

The only way that wrong can be righted, is for the public to be given a free, and fairly worded, yes/no referendum on E.U. membership.

If a majority of people vote we retain our membership, so be it.

At least that will be based on a democratic decision.

Which isn't the case now.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I didn't say as fact, or mention any names.

I just surmised what might of happened, as there were very few members actually online, at that late hour.

Graham subsequently posted how he'd voted.

Meaning I was right, about what I saw happen.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I have my own opinion on the outcome, but that is an irrelevance at this stage.

The fact is people demand a right to have a say in their future, because what the E.U. is now is a totally different entity to what it was sold as, a trade alliance, back in 1975. The last time the public were given a chance to have their say.

People want a referendum.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Angus Reid poll, July 2011 - 49% want to leave the EU

49% of those polled would vote to leave the EU in a referendum; 25% wanted to stay. 57% believed that being in the EU has been negative, while 32% thought it had been positive.

European Union Pollwatch - Opinion Polls. Leaving the EU is supported by a majority of British People

The fact that a majority of people would vote to leave, reflects the three polls about E.U. membership that have taken place on Accy Web, from 2004 to the present day.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Absolutely spot on their Rindi, the concept of the European Union has change so much in 36 years since the last time we were asked to vote, its unrecognisable, its time to take the opinion of the British people on board again, but it won't happen because nobody at Westminster would like the result

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

There is growing cross-party support for the people to be allowed their say in a referendum.

Even if Cameon and Miliband are on record of saying they won't support one happening.

'Labour MP Natascha Engel, who chairs the committee, said: ‘The EU today is completely different from the one the British people voted to join in the 1975 referendum. It is time to examine the position again.'

‘People in pubs and shops all over Britain are discussing Britain’s membership of the EU and it is time they openly debated it too.’

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

It genuinely frightens and sickens me, that I might be forced to vote for a single issue party, come the next election, but I might have no other choice.

I will never again vote for a politican, or political party, who don't give a cast iron guarantee that they'll support a referendum on E.U. membership, and it actually happening.

I feel this is so important an issue for the future of our once great country, on so many different levels.

I hope our mainstream political parties begin to realise just how strongly many people feel about this.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

G....I'm sorry to disillusion you but you would still be snookered.
When canvassing, the parties will promise absolutely anything to get your vote........but how can you guarantee that they will deliver on their promise?
Political parties, have in the past said they would hold a referendum. I seem to recall that David Cameron himself did exactly that......he said that if there was a Conservative government in number 10, he would seek a referendum on the EU....maybe he salves his conscience by telling himself 'Well, it is a COALITION government, so strictly speaking, I am not breaking any promise'.

Say this phrase after me....(you may need to repeat it a couple of thousand times before it finally engraves itself on yout consciousness)
Political parties cannot be believed....and worse still, they cannot be trusted!

They consider themsleves the 'ruling class' and once in power they disregard the electorate as of little importance, of little value.....yet we pay their wages and handsome they are too.
Most politicians are so far removed from the real world, they can have no concept of what concerns the electorate really has.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I'm an eternal optimist, and live in (vain) hope.

If mainstream political parties continually refuse to acknowledge the real worries of ordinary people, we'll see support grow for extremist groups, sadly.

The ball's in their court.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I used to be an optimist......now I am a realist. I suppose it might have something to do with the many broken political promises.........they promise the earth and deliver........s........slutch!
I'm going to have to see someone about this stammer!

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I'm also a realist.

I really am not voting for any party/politican that doesn't give a 100% pledge that there'll be a fair yes/no referendum on E.U. membership.

This will continue until it happens.

If it doesn't, then I really won't vote for any mainstream political party ever again, and do everything in my limited power to undermine, and damage their campaigns.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

All power to you G.

The fact that all the political parties hold us ( our views and wishes) in contempt, is what made me spoil my ballot paper at the last general election.
My conscience would not let me vote for someone who does not have the slightest intention of carrying out their core promises to the electorate.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

That contempt works both ways.

With most people now holding politicans in the same esteem right down there with lawyers, estate agents, and traffic wardens.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

And thats probably why voting numbers are at their lowest ever;)

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Couldn't have put it better.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

If voting changed anything John, they would stop us from doing it.....they (the ruling classes)just like to let us think we have some influence.
I just wish that at some election or other no-one would vote....I wonder if it would make them sit up and take notice.........I somehow doubt it!

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

'The tipping point for Hesketh came two years ago when he was ‘appalled’ by the Government reneging on its promise to hold a referendum on the controversial Lisbon Treaty (which transferred huge powers to Brussels, created the post of EU president and cancelled more than 50 British vetoes over European policy).'
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...er-Europe.html

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I read that too....and think that Lord Hesketh made some very relevant points in that article

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

The thing is Margaret, people are voting with their feet and aren't bothering any more, there as always been that statement that if you don't vote then you don't have any right to criticise, but if you do vote these days what difference does it make, politics has just become a slanging match, not what you can do for the electorate but how made points can be scored against the other party, none more that here in Hyndburn were politics just became a peeing match

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

I could never see the point of a referendum being called by Cameron when he became PM because Brown ratified the Lisbon Treat, you can't unsign a piece of legislation, but he certainly could hold a yes or no referendum on continued membership of the EU, which unfortunately won't happen

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Weren't we promised a say on the issues before the Lisbon treaty was ratified?

Couldn't it be said that the ratification of this treaty was undemocratic because the electorate hadn't been consulted on the issues since 1975?

I thought that politicians were ultimately responsible for the legislation of this country.

It seems that we are not the only ones who are getting very disillusioned with the situation in the EU....it appears that the german population are hacked off with it too.

Eurozone debt crisis: Euro bailout attempt is utterly dishonest | Mail Online

This is the nonsenscial way the EU is trying to solve its' problems.........scary or what?

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Well err yes we were promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, but Gordon said he knew best and that a referendum wasn't necessary, don't mind me asking but anybody seen Gordon lately:do-one:

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

"I am free to vote Labour or Conservative, but if I try to act on the belief that this choice itself masks a deeper prejudice - the prejudice that the meaning of democracy is confined to putting a cross on a ballot paper every few years - then in certain unusual circumstances I might end up in prison." Terry Eagleton.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Yes, I think that being allowed to vote is one of the biggest cons going......well, perhaps not the voting bit, but the fact that we delude ourselves into thinking that by voting we have the power to change things.....we have no more power than a beetle does of not being stepped on.
But it stops the natives from revolting.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Democracy is - choosing the colour of your cage.
By not choosing, you don't consent to whatever colour it gets painted.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Um never looked at it like that Margaret

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

'In a direct barb towards the anti-Brussels group, made up of 120 Tory MPs spearheaded by George Eustice, and 50 Labour MPs, the Liberal Democrat leader will add a further message likely to be met with dismay from Mr Cameron, he will reiterate his desire for Britain to join the euro.'

Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express | UK News :: Nick Clegg to rock coalition with pro-Europe plea

That nice Nick Clegg may have won over some, in the pre-election television debates, but the man is a blithering idiot if he thinks Britain should get rid of sterling, and join the euro.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

That is like climbing on board a sinking ship!

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

But if a politican is photogenic, speaks nicely, and comes across well on the telly, some people will still be conned, and give the ship's rat their vote.

The only good thing is that hopefully the public will now see how blindly pro the E.U. the Lib Dem's are, if their foolish leader thinks it a good idea Britain joins the euro.

It'd be more stupid than if we got rid of the pound and had chocolate toy money.

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

Thought we had:rolleyes:

Re: How'd you vote in an E.U. referendum?
 

http://caringforyourbudgie.com/wp-co...gie-mirror.jpg

;):D