Quick Responses
When someone shares a concern or challenge about the EU, it’s helpful to respond with clarity—not overwhelm.
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We’ve gathered quick, respectful responses to common questions and claims—designed to keep the conversation moving, not shut it down.
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Each one is fact-based, values-led, and grounded in understanding, not debate.​​​​​
Context: Ongoing public discourse allows societies to reflect on past decisions and consider future directions.
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ECONOMY
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Claim: “We’re doing fine on our own now.”
Response: “Some sectors are doing okay, but many small exporters are struggling with new trade barriers. Closer ties with the EU could help ease friction and boost growth.”
Claim: “The EU needs us more than we need them.”
Response: “The EU is still our biggest trading partner. Mutual cooperation helps both sides—economically and politically.”
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Claim: “We’ve got new trade deals now—job done.”
Response: “Some new deals are helpful, but most are smaller than the EU agreement we had. We could still improve terms with Europe.”
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Claim: “It would cost us more to get back into the EU.”
Response: “Rejoining would involve costs, but it’s essential to weigh these against potential economic benefits from improved trade and cooperation.”
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Claim: “We wouldn’t get the same terms.”
Response: “Re-entry terms would be subject to negotiation. The EU has shown flexibility in the past, and mutual interests could lead to favorable agreements.”
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Claim: “We would have to adopt the euro.”
Response: "EU members such as Denmark, Sweden, and others have not adopted the euro, demonstrating that using the euro is not mandatory."
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Sources:
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https://ukandeu.ac.uk/the-facts/what-impact-has-brexit-had-on-uk-trade/
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www.ifs.org.uk/articles/trade-deals-are-no-substitute-for-access-to-eu-market
IMMIGRATION & JOBS
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Claim: “Migrants are taking British jobs.”
Response: “Many migrants fill essential roles—especially in care, farming, and hospitality—where UK labour shortages are growing.”
Claim: “We need full control of our borders.”
Response: “We do have more control now, but we’ve also lost flexible access to EU workers in key sectors. A balanced approach could serve us better.”
Claim: “Too many people are coming here from Europe.”
Response: “Fewer EU migrants are coming post-Brexit, and that’s led to shortages. Immigration policies can evolve to meet our economic needs.”
Sources:
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www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration
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https://ukandeu.ac.uk/what-do-we-know-about-immigration-after-brexit/
LAW & SOVEREIGNTY
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Claim: “We’ve taken back control of our laws.”
Response: “We’ve always had parliamentary sovereignty. Now we face a choice: act alone or align where cooperation helps the UK.”
Claim: “The EU is undemocratic.”
Response: “The European Parliament is directly elected. Commissioners are nominated by elected national governments. It’s not perfect—but democratic.”
Claim: “European courts had too much power.”
Response: “They mainly covered cross-border issues—like trade, rights, and safety. We can still shape future legal frameworks through agreements.”
Sources:
SCIENCE, RESEARCH & HEALTH
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Claim: “The UK did better on vaccines because we left.”
Response: “Actually, EU and UK rollouts were similar in timing. The UK could act quickly while still collaborating on research and funding.”
Claim: “We don’t need EU research programmes.”
Response: “Partnerships like Horizon Europe provide billions in research funding and collaboration opportunities we can’t easily match alone.”
Claim: “We’re better off going solo on science.”
Response: “Global challenges—from pandemics to AI—benefit from joint research. Europe is a key ally in innovation.”
Sources:
TRAVEL & MOBILITY
Claim: “We can still travel in Europe just like before.”
Response: “Short trips are okay, but living, working, and studying freely in the EU is no longer automatic. Those rights were significant.”
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Claim: “I don’t need to live or work abroad.”
Response: “Fair enough—but future generations might. Shouldn’t they have the freedom to explore Europe too?”
Claim: “We got our borders back.”
Response: “Yes—but we’ve also gained more red tape for both tourists and businesses. Smarter cooperation could reduce the hassle.”
Sources:
ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE
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Claim: “We can now set our own environmental rules.”
Response: “We can—but many strong protections came from joint EU efforts. Future cooperation could raise standards across the board.”
Claim: “EU rules held us back on green innovation.”
Response: “In fact, joint EU-UK action has driven investment in renewables and emissions reduction. Alignment often helps scale impact.”
Claim: “We don’t need the EU to hit net zero.”
Response: “We can lead—but climate change is global. Partnerships with neighbours multiply our impact.”
Sources:
POLITICS
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Claim: “Another referendum is undemocratic.”
Response: “Democracy allows us to revisit decisions as circumstances change. Holding a second referendum can be a way to ensure the public’s voice reflects current realities.”
Claim: “The EU is full of unelected bureaucrats.”
Response: “While some EU officials are appointed, key decisions are made by elected representatives from member states and the European Parliament.”
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Claim: “Other countries want to leave the EU.”
Response: "Surveys indicate that a majority of citizens in EU countries view membership positively."
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Claim: “I wish Remainers would stop talking about referendums.”
Response: “Discussing national decisions is part of a healthy democracy. Engaging in dialogue ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.”
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Claim: "Brexit wasn't implemented properly."
Response: "Some think that Brexit promised more than it could deliver. Others believe it wasn't handled with a clear enough plan. What do you think proper implementation would have looked like?"
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Sources:
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