I believe Britain should have stayed in the EU for many reasons that have to do with people, employment, trade, politics, funding, etc. First of all, since one of the main reasons behind Brexit was the 'regaining' of Britain's status and power, what the EU offered was power within the unity of nations, together with easier access to the benefits the EU had to offer, especially with regards to freer movement of workforce and trade.

I believe these are factors that strengthen the socio-political and economic status of a nation such as Britain. Also, being part of the EU power provides greater national strength in relation to the strength of other non-European nations.

Lesser tarrifs on trade and greater status is not the only reason. The freedom of movement that being part of the European Union offers equips nations like the UK with many competent professionals who come to the UK to fill in much-needed workforce like doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, etc.

This also applies to unskilled workers needed in the UK, whose life in the UK was made possible by this freedom of movement. Now that the Brexit is a reality, the boosted economy that was enabled by the freedom of workforce is compromised. Brexit has created uncertainty about the future.

University admissions will also be affected. Previously, universities around the UK offered special financial aid for EU students applying to study there, but now the EU student status will not be the same. Cicely Oliver observes that 'England, Scotland and Wales have all confirmed that students from Europe who begin a course from the 2021–22 academic year will no longer have home fee status or access to the UK’s financial support', which will make it difficult to a great number of students to access education in the UK due to the more expensive admission fees and the financial support. The universities will inevitably become less international unless something drastic is decided to boost the incoming of students for study purposes.

Brexit is an ugly reality for me. They say that if you have pre-settled status you have nothing to fear and you retain the benefits you had enjoyed pre-Brexit, but so many people have in reality been affected (businesses, workers, etc.) with the things that are changing and the new restrictions. I hope that in the future the Brexit ethics will be reconsidered.

For more, see:

Cicely, Oliver, 'How will Brexit affect universities and students?' (2021) https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/sector/news/how-will-brexit-affect-universities-and-students [accessed 22 January 2021].

'98 Reasons To Stay In The EU: Benefits Of Membership For The UK' https://smallbusinessprices.co.uk/remain-eu/ [accessed 22 January 2021].

TL; DR - As a member of the European Union, Britain was a nation I could be proud of, but not anymore.

• As a Brit and an avid remainer, I believe wholeheartedly that we should have remained in the European Union. And whilst I could sit here and recycle in detail the numerous reasons why Britain was better off in the EU; I think it comes down to something quite simple - tolerance.
• We didn’t just benefit from free trade and the ability to live, work and study across Europe, but ultimately being an EU member was an incredibly important part of our identity. Leaving this behind has riddled the UK with divisiveness and tarnished relations with our allies.
• The Brexit referendum on the 23rd of June 2016 (omg was it that long ago!), saw the British public vote to leave the European Union. With 48% of the country voting to remain and the other 52% to leave, the outcome was incredibly close - but by no means over. What followed was a never-ending cycle of debate, argument and disagreement which split this country right down the middle.
• The far-right in the UK took Brexit and ran with it. The likes of Nigel Farage decided that immigration from Europe was the root of all this country’s problems and our now Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, stood next to a big red bus brandishing the absolute lie that leaving the EU would directly fund £350 million for our NHS. It was all a lie. But dishonest or not, their messaging resonated with a huge proportion of the British public and had a massive impact on the racism, division, and hatred we are still experiencing today in this country.
• Not only has leaving the EU changed the internal dynamics of Britain, but also our relations with our important neighbours. We have isolated ourselves in the name of ‘nationalism’ with nothing to show for it, but an un-united United Kingdom.

On the 23rd of June 2016, the UK, with a 52% majority voted to leave the European Union. After years of negotiations, the UK formally left the EU on the 31st of January 2020.

• With a very marginal majority, it is understandable that there was and still is division in opinions regarding whether it was in Britain’s best interests to leave the EU. Here are some of the key arguments on both sides of the debate.
  Remain arguments.
• The benefits of being a member of the European Single Market far outweigh the costs of EU membership. Whereas we contribute an average of £340 per household, our membership generates a return investment of £3,000 per household.
• The EU is the UK’s number one trading partner. Leaving the EU poses huge risks, as trade barriers will be introduced, and tariffs implemented. We also benefit from the EU trade deal which deals with 50+ countries around the world.
• The UK alone will have less influence than as a member of the EU. The country will have less influence over transnational decision-making, on issues such as combatting terrorism, boosting trade and protecting the environment.
  Leave arguments.
• Money spent on our EU membership can be put into other resources. such as health, education and scientific research.
• In terms of immigration, EU membership means that the UK cannot retain full control over immigration. Brexit will give the UK full control over borders again.
• A reduction in migrant numbers will create job opportunities for British workers and ease pressure on public services.
• EU regulation hinders British businesses more than it helps them. The UK will do better alone.
• Trade with EU countries will of course continue. The UK can negotiate a free trade deal with the EU without itself being bound by EU laws. Will in fact be in a better position as the UK can negotiate their own trade agreements with other countries.