‘There is no right or wrong, only in or out’

The current topic on many British minds is the European Union (EU) referendum. This is a matter for the British people to decide. It has nothing to do with anyone else

Supporting to remain in the EU is headed up by the Prime Minister. This is wrong because, like the Queen, he who is elected to represent the Queen’s government should be impartial in this matter. All Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet Ministers are the same. Their job is to apply what the people want, not to tell the people what they should have. They have a right to their opinion, which they can give at the ballot box.

Petrol in the UK is the fifth most expensive in Europe and diesel is the second most expensive. Why? Because the EU obliges Britain to charge Value Added Tax (VAT). The EU imports twice as much into Britain than Britain exports to the EU, according to the Office of National Statistics.

New cars are an important export to the EU and we are told that leaving threatens job losses, yet we have witnessed job losses at Ford, Land Rover and Jaguar. Only half of UK production goes to the EU. The total is only 6.8 per cent of global sales.

Oil prices have caused job losses. Failure of high street retail to modernise is causing job losses. So, leaving the EU couldn’t be any worse than it is. At least we will have some money to support our industries, our education system and the National Health Service (NHS).

The EU would lose more trade with the UK than the UK would lose with the EU and in reality this is not going to be allowed happen.

As an EU member, the pound has dropped from 1.72 pounds (Dh9.14) to 1.45 (Dh7.70) against the dollar. The EU has the largest global share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but this has dropped from 30 per cent to 24 per cent in recent years and yet Brazil, Russia, India and China are experiencing steady growth. These are Britain’s trading targets.

Banks in London, UK will not suffer because of Brexit, as there are already commitments by the EU to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to prevent this. Banks will only move when it suits them to be nearer to the emerging markets.

Voters, don’t vote out of passion. Don’t listen to the politicians of either persuasion. Do your own research, as I have and then make an informed decision. There is no right or wrong, only in or out.

- The reader is a British business manager based in Dubai.