Originally Posted by Antiope:
So what's the data on the majority of laws affecting us coming from Europe - compared to Westminster? Pretty strong statement and it's either true or it isn't. I don't know if you're right or not - just looking for a reference
As for debate re the EU - it seems to me we've had pretty constant debate on the subject of Europe since the 70's. Indeed before. It's not really the elephant in the room that never gets mentioned, is it?
A referendum might have some merit - if only so people can actually get told what we put in and what we get out. What we get out of EU is hardly only about what grants we receive.
There is a great deal of disagreement on exactly how many come from EU regulations but the figure is somewhere between 50 and 84% (probably around 60%) You see the way it works the commission thinks up a regulation the european parliament then ratifies it and then member states are bound by it as it is EU law. The Lisbon treaty that Labour forced though denying a much demanded referendum gave the EU huge powers over member states
As for the vote in the 70's that was not for the EU that was the common market a free trade area not a political union the EU was not created until 1993. If there is a referendum the EU will have to be sold to us and we could then make a decision on if it is worth it or not, as it is all we get told is it is good for us but no one will ever say why. (do you know I don't and I have even tried to find out) A referendum would force them to tell us.