I voted leave, I voted that way as I believe that the EU needs major reform and they themselves needed a wake up call, I don't think a close Remain vote would have done that, infact I think they would have used it as a stick to beat us over the head with. This vote gives us and the other big nations (France, Denmark, Netherlands etc) the opportunity to sit down with them and that gives us a real chance to reform it. On the other hand I think this country will prosper with or without the EU, the comments I've read from Merkel about a closer union (United states of Europe) and the EU Presidents throwing their teddy out the pram, have really hit home that I've made the right decision in the way I voted.
I think it's only going to take an out vote from one other big player to bring the EU to it's knees. We've seen referendums all ready asked for in other nations.
From what I've read we account for roughly 23% of the EU exports, more then the next 2 combined (roughly 20% USA/Japan). We export about 40% to the EU nations. We spend far more in their countries then they do buying our goods, I can't see why they wouldn't give us a favourable deal. The USA and Canada have already come out and said they will put us to the top of the queue for trade deals. I expect Australia and New Zealand will do the same. We take over half of New Zealand beef and lamb products, which is capped by EU quota's. Again, We could end up importing higher amounts then we currently do, so cheaper lamb and beef products (cheaper prices?).
I don't think freedom of movement can work in it's current set up. There's too big a difference in standard of living between us and say Romania. I think it can work Between the likes of UK, Germany, France, etc, where they're all relatively the same. and another zone for the poorer countries, with a time limit of say 3 months if you're going between zones, but I suppose this would lead to people going of the grid and I'm not really sure that will work either.
I would like to see the Euro ditched so southern Europe can actually control their own currencies and devalue if and when they need to.
The bus slogan, I think we all knew they wouldn't spend £350 Million a week on the NHS, and I think it would be foolish to do that. I think that we need to replace the EU funding that regions were guaranteed. Assume 350mill a week, we get back something like 120mill a week which goes to investment in the regions. 230mill goes to Brussels which we don't see again. I would like to see that 230mill (whatever the true figure is) invested in this country to make it economically stronger. Nationalise the banks, railways, energy, Royal Mail?
For the past few weeks I have been looking at buying a property within Spain and Portugal, which will now have to be put on hold and if we do end up leaving the EU I will apply for citizenship with Poland.