I wasn’t going to get into this all (again) but couldn’t stay silent. Firstly, I sometimes wish I hadn’t bothered...the continued delay has damaged the country more than necessary. If I’d have known what a mess the MPs would make of it, I may well have voted the other way.
In terms of gains, it depends on your point of view:
Not paying an increasing sum into the EU pot ever year...think it’s €15bn, net £9bn...it will increase next year (a significant proportion of which, ballpark a third, 60-70bn goes in farmer subsidies)
Stepping away now rather than in a few years as it will only ever become a closer political union. Why do we need a closer political union ? Why do we need an EU parliament ? Trade, I understand, close relationships, yes, but MEPs and EU parliament...I’ve never quite got.
A semblance of control of our borders. As I’ve stated before, this is not anti immigration (we need net migration due to skills shortages and ageing population) but controlling the numbers coming in better to ensure our infrastructure is maintained at the same rate/is adequate. Also ensuring that people coming to work here are beneficial to the country/what we need. Nobody has ever been able to answer the question as to why a low skilled/low pay worker (from the EU) should be able to come to the UK no questions asked and yet skilled workers from places such as Australia, Africa, American, Asia should go through a proper visa process and may be rejected.
I appreciate that many on here will disagree with some or all of the above but these (and probably other issues) are genuine reasons and/or concerns.
ps I’m fully aware of the benefits of remaining in the EU but that wasn’t the question
. It’s up to the individual to weigh up the pro’s and cons themselves.