The above portmanteau, which are linguistic blend of words, on whether Britain should remain in the European Union (EU) or to come out of it, say it all. Britin stands for Britain to remain in the EU and Brexit stands for coming out. As the country is gearing up to the referendum on Thursday 23 June 2016, it is time to take stock and reflect on how being in the EU since 1973, ie for the last 43 years, has affected the country. The debate to remain in or to come out has reached fever pitch with leaders of opposing parties accusing one another and flinging accusations. The media is also awash with details on how one should vote and is keeping us up to speed on the latest developments.
To the uninitiated, the European Union is an economic and political partnership involving 28 European countries, and a referendum is a vote in which everyone of voting age will be able to participate by casting their votes. How should we vote? Many of us Asians, specially the Gujaratis, with their business acumen, are employed in the financial industry. Financial market, UK’s main hub for economy, is dependent on the business within the EU and consequntly in the world. To my mind, If we pull out, not only the UK’s financial business will suffer, but many of our people will be out of a job. However, it will be for the individual to decide.
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
