'The EU got the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2012, but such an award is not forthcoming for economics. In fact, the EU faces a stern public discontent throughout Europe. For years EU leaders have been unable to agree on almost anything. The eurozone's toxic monetary embrace is a colossal failure that has provoked misery in most of the participating countries and, worst of all, suffocated the hopes of prosperity for many years to come. The EU is no longer a venture that inspires people to run on barricades to defend it. Should Britain be a part of the crumbling EU project? This book provides a timely and documented answer. It is highly recommended reading.' --- Miroslav N. Jovanovic, University of Geneva, Switzerland 'The policy framework advocated by Minford et al. . . . is grounded in economic theory and an incisive empirical analysis of the costs of UK s membership of the EU. Their thesis that the EU is a political union practising economic protectionism in the guise of gradualism towards free trade makes sense. . . . Minford and his associates analysis suggests that the EU s policy framework of free trade for members but restrictions on trade of non-members with the EU countries is a second best policy adopted to promote political rather than economic objectives.' --- V.N. Balasubramanyam, Lancaster University, UK
'Much too much of the debate about the UK s relationship with the European Union relies upon general declarations unsupported by facts and assertions and claims not substantiated by evidence. This is why we need so badly the careful quantitative analysis provided by Patrick Minford and his colleagues. The UK electorate will have a momentous decision to take when the EU referendum takes place. History and emotions will be important, but getting the facts straight is even more vital.' --- John Mills, Founder and Chairman of JML and Co-Chairman of Business for Britain
Patrick Minford is Professor of Applied Economics at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, and a well-known Eurosceptic, and in this book he and his team put forward the reasons why Britain should leave the EU.
Historically, when Britain joined the EU in the 1970s, receiving a little protection on our goods seemed a sensible thing to do, as our economy was not doing well. Now, however, things have changed dramatically.
Our economy is in a far better state and the EU has become more controlling and protectionist. So much so that we in Britain are not able to dictate what prices we can command and to whom we can sell. Add to that the EU’s inexorable march towards political union and the inherent dislike of our world-class financial sector and we have solid reasons for leaving.
This is not an easy-reading book, but it certainly provides lots of reasons for leaving. I confess that many of the figures and tables were a little above my head, but the thrust of the book is evident.
Whether you are IN or OUT, this is certainly a book worth reading, in order to gain some knowledge and insight into both sides of the argument.