[Oletros]

> The choice is really for British people not Euro mainlanders

Perhaps then should be a referendum to ask the "Euro mainlanders" if they want a UK with the privileges they have

> There's a lot to be gained from being in the EU

Yes, but with the same rules than all the other countries, not like now that they cherry pick what they want.

[neximo4]

> Perhaps then should be a referendum to ask the "Euro mainlanders" if they want a UK with the privileges they have.

The EU mainlander area's elected representatives forged this deal.

The privileges the UK sought like the 'red card' system apply to the whole of the EU.

There's nothing stopping an EU country from getting the same terms on the integration bit, indeed some countries have done that to varying degrees - Switzerland (EEC), Iceland (EEC), Denmark (own currency), Norway (EEC with EU laws) & Sweden (own currency) & Turkey (customs union)

If you're a Spaniard don't you have to worry about Catalonia?

The EU allows states to 'minitiarize' and devolve down once the trivialities of sovereignty and the '3 basics' EEC principles are sorted out

[toyg]

EU and EEC are different things. I don't think anybody would object to the UK opting for staying in EEC but out of EU proper. After all that's what they want: a trade zone.

[neximo4]

There are problems with being in the EEC but not in the EU.

For the 'sovereignty' issue this is the worst as there is no representation in the creation of the laws. That would be even worse than being out of the EU.

Keep in mind Norway pays something like 90% per person of what the UK pays for its EEC membership. One day Brussels will make a law Norwegians don't like and they will be upset about it and won't be able to do anything about it.

A trade zone requires consistent laws among its members too.

[Oletros]

> EU and EEC are different things. I don't think anybody would object to the UK opting for staying in EEC but out of EU proper. After all that's what they want: a trade zone.

Yes, this is what I wanted to say.

[return0]

but Norway, Iceland and switzerland are not part of the EU.

[neximo4]

Yup No not in the EU but they are in the EEC meaning they have unrestricted trade access to the EU including the 3 freedoms.

I mentioned each of these have a varying degree of integration to the EU. Being in the EU means there is representation of which Switzerland, Norway and Iceland do not have.

This isn't a great situation though as these places effectively enact EU legislation without representation and nearly pay full fees for EU membership (per person).

[return0]

yes that is true

[eponeponepon]

  > Perhaps then should be a referendum to ask the "Euro 
  > mainlanders" if they want a UK with the privileges 
  > they have

The exact same sentiment (and it's an ugly one, I might add) was floated by less savoury corners of political discourse in England in the run-up to the Scottish independence referendum. It's not helpful; please don't stoop to it.

[mercurial]

> Yes, but with the same rules than all the other countries

Plenty (if not all) EU countries have negotiated exception to various treaties. It's the nature of these "exceptions" which matter (like the UK wanting a voice in the Euro policy, despite not being part of the Eurozone, and doing everything they can to prevent reforms of their bloated and dangerous banking sector).