Press Release, 25th September 2007

GLOBAL VISION SAYS EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES TO FULL EU MEMBERSHIP

In two new papers for Global Vision - Moored to the Continent? and Britain in a global world? - economists Mark Baimbridge, Brian Burkitt and Philip Whyman embark on an exploration into possible alternatives to the UK's current EU membership.  

Despite the political elite's insistence that viable alternatives do not exist, the authors argue that in fact there are a number of options available to the UK, including an Associated European Area, a revitalised EFTA, developing Commonwealth trade, bilateral free trade, and membership of NAFTA.  They believe proper analysis of these options will forever explode the claim that there is no alternative for Britain. 

Ruth Lea, Director of Global Vision, states,

"Whilst the current debate on Europe is rightly being dominated by the need for a referendum on the Reform Treaty, it is vital to debate alternatives to full EU membership.  Professors Baimbridge, Burkitt and Whyman clearly and convincingly prove that the UK does have other options available to it.

Moreover, these options give us the freedom and flexibility which we need in the 21^st Century to respond appropriately to changing circumstances and which we do not have as a full EU member.  The options discussed by Baimbridge, Burkitt and Whyman should be carefully studied and considered."