The Left-Wing Case for Leaving the EU

Most of the arguments against membership are left-leaning and liberal.

By John King of Spectator

Introduction

Despite denials by our political and media elite, the most important issue of the 2015 election was Britain’s membership of the European Union (EU). Nearly four million votes went to Ukip—consistently abused and dismissed by the establishment—with much support coming from former Labour voters. Big numbers also backed the Conservatives, who reluctantly offered a referendum on EU membership alongside Ukip’s powerful campaign.

The EU’s Influence on UK Policy

EU membership has undermined major debates and warped policies in the build-up to elections. The EU has:

• Influenced the future of the NHS and privatisation of public services
• Driven austerity measures in the eurozone
• Escalated problems in housing, wages and education
• Created social worry, anger and threats to identity

A lazy acceptance of establishment propaganda and fear of being branded “xenophobic” have silenced many liberals and left-wingers. Yet the EU is driven by big business—a very corporate coup.

The Undemocratic Nature of the EU

The EU’s mission is to create a centralised superstate. Former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said in 2007, “I like to compare the EU as a creation to the organisation of empire.” Despite idealists and progressive laws along the way, at its core the EU remains undemocratic and distant—an unaccountable technocratic elite serving multinationals rather than citizens.

Corporate Interests and TTIP

A single European nation suits US government, multinationals and military interests. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) aims to smooth “obstacles” between blocs, opening markets for US health-care companies and threatening trade union rights. TTIP negotiations have been secret, with no public vote, limited media coverage and broad support from main parties. Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) would allow corporations to sue governments over profit infringements—yet politicians remain silent.

Political Party Positions

The media portray the Tories as anti-EU, Labour and the Lib Dems as pro-EU, and Ukip as far-right. This “bubblegum politics” ignores substance. Little Europeans sneer “Little Englander” at those who hold a different view, unwilling to consider bigger arguments. Historical context:

• 1973: Conservatives under Ted Heath took Britain into a six-nation EEC, betraying the Commonwealth
• Margaret Thatcher and John Major never left the EU; Tony Blair wanted eurozone membership
• David Cameron is softly pro-EU but forced into a referendum by his backbenchers
• Ed Miliband supported the EU; his sceptical MPs stayed silent for fear of being labelled right-wing

The Scottish Question

The Scottish referendum became about money rather than identity. Few challenged the madness of an independent Scotland re-entering the EU as a new applicant and adopting the euro. The SNP champions localism but refuses to oppose an EU that centralises power. If Scotland had its own currency and rejected Brussels, independence would make sense—but joining the EU undermines that goal.

Immigration and Identity

Open borders are essential to the EU’s single state, creating a more mobile workforce and easier access for business and the wealthy. Future elections could be open to anyone residing in a country at voting time. EU membership has also driven “high-end” immigration, pushing up house prices and eroding local culture—especially in London. It is natural to feel angry at this unfairness.

Britain’s muted opposition to the EU is cast as intolerance, yet we remain one of the most open-minded countries. Most Europeans feel powerless and despondent under EU rule. A genuine left-wing opposition to the EU should rest with Labour, but the party sold its soul to Brussels during New Labour, appearing hypocritical and aloof to voters.

The Case for Leaving

A referendum on EU membership would unleash unprecedented establishment propaganda—from The Guardian to The Times, BBC to Rupert Murdoch—warning that withdrawal is a disaster. Yet:

• Britain would save roughly £10 billion a year in net EU contributions
• Trade with EU neighbours would continue, and we could pursue global markets more freely
• Only 15 percent of UK GDP comes from EU exports, a figure falling as the eurozone stagnates
• Stronger ties could be built with Commonwealth economies and other growing markets

Conclusion

Leaving the EU would save Britain money that could be reinvested in public services. Across the world, people fight for independence and democratic accountability. The EU is neither new nor progressive—its roots trace back to the Roman Empire. Britain needs to reclaim its identity, protect its culture and look to an independent future.