[benrjackson]

I've yet to hear any reasonable defense of this often repeated assertion (UK 'special treatment'). The UK net contribution per capita is similar to other comparable EU countries (time periods vary but see this link (payments tab, net by population)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8036097.stm#start

Without the rebate, the UK would be a massive outlier (paying a much higher net GDP per capita).

The other often cited 'special treatment' is that we are not part of Schengen - a situation which also applies to Ireland and Cyprus (Cyprus are technically committed to joining but it remains to be seen whether this will actually happen). The common factor is that these countries are islands. Is it really that much of an inconvenience for people to bring their passports when you already need to have booked a plane, ferry or channel tunnel ticket (practically, it isn't the same as driving from France to Belgium)?

For what it is worth, I voted to remain.