UNITED KINGDOM
Brexit-proof
your portfolio
An influx of uncertainty in the UK
property market
SIDIMA MFEKU
B
reaking a socio-economic development
union that existed for more than 40 years is
almost impossible to do in a couple of days
or weeks. This is mostly due to the variation of
stakeholders and the executive decision makers’
thoughts on it. Brexit is a complicated economic
integration debate which involves various politi-
cal parties, government sectors and the interna-
tional governing body – the European Union. The
long overdue discussion about the untangling of
the bond between the EU and Britain impacts the
Key arguments for staying
Foreign affairs:
As part of a 500 million-strong econo-
my, Britain has greater influence over
international matters.
Sovereignty:
Britain has proved that it can opt
out of EU policies it considers
counterintuitive, such as the euro, the
Schengen Agreement and enforced
migrant quotas.
Security:
A union better-equips Britain to tackle
threats to security, including terrorism
and cross-border crime.
Money:
Europe provides Britain with billions
of pounds’ worth of investment each
year.
Trade:
Membership in the EU gives us the
strength to negotiate favourable trade
agreements with countries around the
world.
day-to-day running of Britain and its outcomes,
which are presumed to have a major impact on
the governing policies concerning Britain and its
economic growth.
Brexit discussions are predominantly about
the freedom of Britain to exercise its freewill as an
independent country, free from the international
government policies of the European Union. It has
variating thoughts, with the key arguments from
members of House of Commons being:
Key arguments for leaving
Foreign affairs:
EU membership limits Britain’s in-
ternational influence, ruling out an
independent seat at the World Trade
Organisation.
Sovereignty:
Britain would have more control of
its laws and regulations, without risk
of having counterintuitive policies
forcefully imposed.
Security:
Britain’s domestic security would ben-
efit more from greater border-control
than in a political union.
Money:
Britain contributes billions of pounds
in membership fees to the EU every
year.
Trade:
Membership in the EU keeps Britain
from fully capitalising on trade with
major worldwide economies like
Japan, India and the UAE.
Business:
Free trade within the EU reduces barri-
ers and enables UK companies (partic-
ularly small ones) to grow.
Business:
The EU subjects Britain to slow and
inflexible bureaucracy, making it
more prohibitive for smaller, more
innovative companies.
Jobs:
Jobs:
Millions of jobs linked to Britain’s
Improved global trade agreements
membership would be put at risk.
and a more selective immigration
would have a positive effect on the
British job market.
Consumer goods:
Consumer goods:
The average person in Britain saves The average person in Britain
hundreds each year thanks to lower loses hundreds each year – owing to
prices of goods and services facili- policies regarding VAT contributions
tated by the EU.
and agricultural subsidies.
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OFFSHORE GUIDEBOOK 2020
OFFSHORE GUIDEBOOK 2020
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