LAPUZ, RHEIL

FACTS ABOUT BREXIT

WHAT

BREXIT (British Exit) - refers to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. The
EUROPEAN UNION is an economic and political union involving 28 European
countries. It allows free trade and free movement of people to live and work in
whichever country they choose. The UNITED KINGDOM joined in 1973 (when it was
known as the European Economic Community). If the UK leaves, it would be the first
member state to withdraw from the EU.

HOW

- Thursday, June 23, 2016, a public vote or referendum was held to decide whether
the UK should leave or remain. 52% voted for Leaving and 48% voted for Staying.
With more than 30 million people of the UK, 72% of their population voted for their
respective decision.

WHY
- according to John Mauldin (Forbes website senior contributor) the majority of the
people of Britain favored the exit from the EU are three main factors:

1. Economics - as they believe that the EU failed to address the economic

problems that had been developing since 200. For example, 20%
unemployment in southern Europe.

2. Sovereignty - Many believed that that EU institutions does not longer serve a
purpose. Not only that, these organizations also takes control more than the
individual nations. Mistrust and fear of losing control made Brexit a reasonable
solution to them.

3. Political Elitism - as Most “leave” supporters believed that the financial

industry’s recklessness and incompetence had created a disaster for many.
Besides, they saw no benefit to themselves in the success of the financial
industry, even though it wasn’t true.
CRITIQUE / REACTION / REFLECTION

It is a very controversial issue these past few days as the UNITED KINGDOM
supposed to leave the EUROPEAN UNION this 31st of October, yet they haven’t reach
any agreement as of these moment.

For me, as a student, I opposed to the idea of BREXIT, which I doubt that it will serve
its purpose nor solve the current situation or status of the UNITED KINGDOM. The
idea of separating a country from an economic and political union might not be a good
idea. Knowing that it is a well-established, proven to be effective and shows
development within its member/neighboring country. In ASIA the establishment of
ASEAN and other different intergovernmental organization aims to promote
intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military,
educational, and sociocultural integration among its members and other countries in
Asia. These intergovernmental organization and bilateral/multi-lateral union among
the countries like the European Union aims to address problems and issues regarding
financial, food, free trade and tourism that is vital for the development of a certain
country. It conflicts/contradicts the idea of BREXIT, based on the developmental
effects and benefits of being a member of an intergovernmental organization.

As to the positive and negative effects that might result after the BREXIT, the negative
outcome seems to outweigh its positive result. Chaos between Great Britain and
European Union may occur as speculation for the negative outcome like food crisis
within the country, shortage of medical supply, border separation of physical barriers
between North Ireland (UK) and Republic of Ireland(EU) may result to sectarian
violence within the region. Seems to be a dangerous risk to take, provided that the
positive outcome are only control over the border, creation of policies regarding
migration and control over the courts which may acquire through negotiations other
forms of diplomacy.
REFERENCES
-https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887

-https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnmauldin/2016/07/05/3-reasons-brits-voted-for-
brexit/#41b73aa1f9d6