So you like everyone else cannot construct a reason for staying in the EU but instead trundle out the same old rhetoric. Why am I not surprised.
Could it be as I suspect that only those with a vested interest in remaining in the EU are going to vote #remain?
You raise a fair point John. OK
Why do I think we should remain the EU.
Positive -
We have had an unprecedented period of peace in Europe. Partly as a result of the EU.
We have unfettered access to a market of getting on for 500m people.
EU laws provide harmonisation of regulations, trading laws and product specifications across 28 member states.
A vital part of our exports are invisibles, mainly banking, insurance and finance - and EU passport is essential to trading in the EU.
EU citizens can work, live study and travel freely in all member states. This provides opportunities for many people.
We have EU migration of around 160k a year. Migrants only come to economically successful countries.
This comes at a cost. We have discussed this. Around 10bn a year. And some immigration, but only about a half of our total current immigration.
In the event of brexit and wishing to maintain a trade agreement with the EU we wil still contribute to the EU budget. We will still have to allow free movement of labour. That is the practical reality.
I do have some concerns - the EU is far from perfect and there needs some legal and accountability reforms. There is work to be done but we need to be at the table to negotiate those reforms. Trying to do so from outside will, in my view, simply not work.
But I have yet to see any compelling reasons to abandon the EU and all of the advantages.