If we dump the EU and its aims of a one-size-fits-all agenda we can at last trade worldwide without customs tariffs. This protectionism was put in place to force us to buy EU goods instead of looking further afield. A mere 9% of the UK's GDP is trade with the EU with the rest being with countries outside the community. Remove the artificial tariffs and that can only get better, resulting in more employment and a lower cost of goods to the consumer.
However, the EU is as good as dead without the UK. Together with the Germans we have been subsidizing and propping it up for years. Currently there are several former Soviet Bloc countries trying to join the EU, not for our benefit but for theirs. If they do join they will be granted £ billions in aid while the rest of us have to fund it. Our economy will continue to be damaged by taking these basket case economies under our wing.
Be in no doubt, the EU is all about a political union, a federal Europe, and very little to do with preserving our way of life. The Germans are pushing for closer political union throughout Europe and we all know where that ended the last time.