What this actually means is that democracy in this country is alive and kicking and is something we should all be proud of, which ever way you voted in the referendum. Brussels's should take note. I voted to Leave but was not happy for Article 50 to be triggered without Parliamentary scrutiny, it was an act of Parliament that took us in and so it is correct that one should take us out.
Soul Kitchen asked what Besides wanted / expected, I have proclaimed my position on that previously in the Economy Watch Thread but in brief these are some of the reasons I voted Leave.
1 EU Ever closer Union Despite being favour or co-operating on matters of trade / security / research etc I disagree with the creation of a supranational state, it is in my view unworkable especially when it's membership is of 28 nations with diverse cultures / economies and aspirations. You can have cooperation without all the beaurocracy and institutions of a nation state. It may be that even the commission would now accept that this aim of complete political and economic integration is now dead.
2 The Euro. Imposing a common currency across 19 diverse economies has not worked well. Time will tell but the currency union has been a drag on the economies of the EU and especially those in the Eurozone. Not having a flexible currency has been a drag on economic performance before 2008 and has greatly hindered Eurozone recovery especially since. Without greater integration in to one centralised state with tax raising and spending powers the Euro as a currency is flawed.
3 Schengen A nice idea in a safe peaceful world but not in this one.
4 Democracy. That word again, when power is concentrated with a small group that is unelected and largely unaccountable then it will be abused. The EU Commission is both of these and is where the real power is concentrated.
5 Prosperity of its Citizens. The EU has failed to increase prosperity among the general population of the EU, unless you are already wealthy that is. Standards of living have remained static at best and growth is strangled by an overbearing beaurocracy aided and abetted by a failing currency union. Years of little to no growth, high unemployment especially among the young and austerity measures imposed while the ECB throws billions at propping up the Euro.
In my view the EU is no longer fit for purpose and lost direction and purpose especially since it expanded its membership from a manageable 9 to 27, pissed off the Russians, condemned Greece to generations of austerity without any hope of recovery until the debts are written off and failed to come up with any measures to cope with a migrant invasion except opening the doors.
So, those are my views. I would be interested to hear how those in favour of remaining in see how the EU intends to resolve some of these issues.
But for now pass me another crayon
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