Softening
the Blow:
Who gains from the EU and how they can survive Brexit. By
Jonathan Lindsell September
2014
'Brexit’ - British exit from the European Union - is a distinct
possibility.
Although many argue that the economy of an independent Britain will be
more successful on the whole, there are sectors in which people feel that they
benefit from EU membership. These people are consequently strong critics of the
Brexit movement.
In Softening
the Blow, Jonathan Lindsell discusses Brexit fears with industry
spokespeople, then explores how these could be addressed post-independence.
Eurosceptics often present exit as a straightforward utopia and dismiss economic
objections.
Lindsell argues that, alone, Britain would need to act decisively to fill
the gaps that the EU used to cover, however inadequately. ‘Mirror’ subsidies and
R&D funds might be employed to keep industries on a level playing field with
EU competitors. Skilled migrants from across the world should be freely
employable until a new British cohort is educated to fill technical roles. A
hybrid ‘Norwegian model’ would best ensure free trade with Europe while
preserving regulatory influence and international clout. Cooperation in specific
areas such as fisheries management should be embraced. With the flexibility of
independence and a beefed-up Foreign Office, sympathetic government and
appropriate policies, even these pro-EU industries might see benefits from
exit.
This study draws on interviews with representatives from the National
Farmers’ Union; the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations; EEF – The
Manufacturers’ Organisation; North Eastern Processing Industry Cluster; and the
Welsh Finance Minister. These interviews are combined with written evidence from
Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, TheCityUK, the Society for Motoring Manufacturers
and Traders, the Automotive Council and the Federation of Small
Businesses.
About the Author
Jonathan Lindsell joined Civitas in 2013 as EU research fellow after
reading history at Trinity College, Oxford.
His other reports include ‘Does the EU impede economic growth?’ and
‘Britain should opt out of the EU police and criminal justice measures’. He has
written for theIndependent,
Conservative Home, the Index on Censorship and Open Democracy.
In the Media
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