Treasure the E.U. - Kevin Hannon

There is a lot of inaccurate nonsense spoken and written about the costs and benefits of UK membership of the EU. Here are some

facts from those who should know the facts, namely the UK Treasury. The following extracts are the Treasury evaluations as

expressed in a letter to a West Midlands voter.

1) “As a result of EU membership, UK businesses and exporters have access without customs and tariffs to the world’s richest single market of 500 million consumers.”

2) “Around half of UK exports go to the EU.”

3) “Seven of our top ten trading partners are within the EU.”

4) “Trade with the EU brings substantial benefits to individuals - it is estimated that around
  3.5 million jobs are linked to trade with the EU.”

5) “In addition, EU foreign direct investment creates 50,000 to 60,000 jobs in the UK and
  safeguards a further 40,000 to 50,000 jobs, per year.”

6) “The beneficial effects of EU trade on UK households is estimated at between £1,100
  and £3,300 per year, per household.”

All the above are some of the benefits from being in the EU and that Euros-sceptics would have us throw away by leaving the EU. And

our savings from leaving the EU? The net UK contribution to the EU is about £6bn per year. Which comes to £100 per inhabitant per

year; or about 27pence per person per day (about ½ the cost of a first class postage stamp).

By any measure, in any mathematics, to want to destroy ½ a country’s trade, 3.5 million jobs (at least) and over £1,100 per household

(at least) in order to save 27 pence per day per person could only be summed up as being insane.

As you can see from the above figures it is very easy to deduce that Euro-sceptic mathematics is insane and that UKIP is the mad mathematics party.

Kevin Hannon, Chairman West Midlands European Movement.
6.11.2011