In UK, uncertainty over EU

The Tories are in danger of being torn apart on UK staying in the European Union as cracks are beginning to appear in the truce on the referendum. The popular vote, to be taken on June 23, should normally have been a breeze for those on the side of the status quo, especially after Prime Minister David Cameron fought hard to keep significant UK privileges like staying out of the euro currency zone and the Schengen border regime. London mayor Boris Johnson’s desertion of his earlier stance on toeing the party line on the EU, and his resolve now to lead the Brexit campaign, could spell trouble for the party as well as Cameron who asserts that he has no agenda other than what is best for the UK now that he is committed not to seek re-election.

It is clear that after more than four decades in the EU, Britain’s stay has been mutually beneficial. The signs are the EU would be better off with UK in it even if it means exemptions continue to allow it a special position in the 28-nation bloc. The UK’s biggest fears over remaining in the EU are to do with the migrant situation and the need to pay in-work benefits to EU migrants. This can be traced back to decades of xenophobic fears in the island since the likes of Enoch Powell whipped them up even more. If all issues were only to do with economy and finance, the UK would have nothing to fear from the “Leave” campaign. A divided Tory Party makes the outcome of the referendum less predictable now.