Articles
The word on everyone’s lips this month is ‘Europe’, after the prime minister announced a referendum on EU membership for the end of June.
There is a prevailing view that the referendum is a home-grown problem, that our government and institutions are tying themselves in knots unnecessarily. Elements of that are true, but certain issues have brought the ‘European question’ to the fore. A perceived lack of control over immigration, and economic instability in other parts of Europe, have given more weight to the ‘out’ argument. Underlying these factors are concerns about the power Brussels-based politicians have over UK policy and law, onerous regulation, and a lack of openness in some parts of the EU single market.
However, there are plenty of positives for advocates of membership to espouse. European citizens can live and work in any member state. More than 45% of UK exports go to the EU, and avoid red tape because of membership. Economic analysis shows we get more out than we pay in.
Many industry bodies and large engineering firms have stated their positions. The majority favour remaining in Europe, for the business benefits it brings. A survey of 2,000 IMechE members last year found 72% supported staying in the EU. A poll by manufacturers’ organisation the EEF, conducted last month, found 80% of its members in favour of EU membership. Similar messages are being communicated by the Confederation of British Industry and the Institute of Directors. The senior management of firms such as Airbus, Ford, BAE Systems are queuing up to make the case to stay in.
PE’s own Soundbites survey on page 64 this month provides some insight into how engineers think the EU referendum might affect them on a more individual level. The question provoked a roughly even numbers of ‘ins’ and ‘outs’, with a minority of extreme views on both sides. Those who wish to remain in warn of the risks to their businesses and point to the benefits of access to the European market, and the increasingly collaborative nature of engineering. Engineers who work for European firms are worried about the practical implications a ‘Brexit’ will have on their careers and future employability.
Those who want to exit see the EU as restricting the UK’s potential, in terms of both political power and engineering prowess. They believe in UK engineering’s ability to innovate and compete. Although there may be an initial shock, UK engineers and industry prospered in the past and will prosper without Europe.
However, there was also a large group of ‘undecideds’. Engineers are trained to make logical decisions based on data and empirical evidence. Many feel there is a lack of information and, indeed, misinformation about the debate.
Perhaps this is where professional engineers can bring the most to the referendum debate. As the 23 June polling day becomes closer, discussion will become more charged. Engineers and their representative bodies should, and will, become involved. Recommendations based on trusted information are surely the best way to make any contribution, at both an individual and an organisational level. Well-researched opinions that avoid sensationalism will help make both the engineering sector, and the UK as a whole, a better place in the future.
Contact: Ben Sampson, PE Editor, at Unit G4, Harbour Yard, London SW10 0XD. ben.sampson@caspianmedia.com