Godot said:
Most people claim the EU is a good thing due to the European Convention of Human Rights, when as I said, realistically, in English law we've always had Human Rights, they've been assumed, just not down explicitly in legislation.
Sorry mate, but
assumed human rights are no human rights at all. Might as well call them fairy dust.
As for the EU, it's worth was not so much based upon its human rights legislation (I recognise that's not your assertion, but I'm just jumping in because your words triggered a stream of consciousness effect, so humour me), as it has no particular claim to being unique in having one. Rather, it lies in the doors it opens economically through freedom of movement of assets, wealth, and people. I am typing this from Germany, where I have been allowed to just come and plonk myself into a job with minimal fuss in anticipation of studying here from next year, again with minimal fuss, and whenever I feel like it I can hop on over to Poland or Netherlands or wherever the **** I want for a holiday, spreading my money, my knowledge, and my skills.
The problem with this unique privilege we have as part of the EU is that economic policy necessarily requires all other sorts of policies in order to function properly. Before you know it we're trying to normalise everything from fishing policies to currencies and employment rights.
When I weigh it all up, I bloody love the EU and think it's a marvellous idea. I do understand other people (like fisher folk) may have other perspectives.