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The European Union 1: Better Out Than In? - Activity

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You've heard it before: those 'crazy' bureaucrats in Brussels with nothing better to do than interfere with the British way of life, passing directive after directive, eroding the very heart of what it means to be British. Straight cucumbers, straight bananas, banning yoghurt and the traditional 'English breakfast' for lorry drivers are amongst a number of stories that can be read in Britain's press about the work of the EU and how it impacts on those in the UK.

The aim of this Activity is to do some research about the work of the EU and to assess the working of the EU. You will be required to take part in a debate on the following:

Should the UK leave the EU?

You will be organised into two groups - one in favour of the motion, the other opposed to the motion. Each group will have to conduct research to build an argument for their particular motion but also must be aware of the arguments that exist against their position and be able to present counter-arguments.

When the research has been completed, you will be expected to give a 15-minute presentation outlining your case. On completion of the two presentations, the 'audience' will be given the opportunity of asking questions to both sides on points raised in their presentation. A period of 20 minutes will be allowed for questions; the Chair of the debate must ensure an even balance.

On conclusion of the questions, the two sides will have a final opportunity to summarise their case - this shall be strictly limited to two minutes per side - after which point, the 'audience' will be asked to vote on the respective motion.

You should use the following links to help you with your research:

  • Detailed Notes on the EU - with clear, easy to navigate headings and suggestions for other links to relevant sites. Assess the current situation with regard to the economy - what is likely to happen to the government's key economic targets and why? (http://www.bized.co.uk/learn/economics/international/eu/notes/euindex.htm)
  • Euromyths - extensive guide to 'myths' about the EU and responses by the EU to those myths (http://www.cec.org.uk/press/myths)
  • The Bruges Group - an all-party independent group against European 'federalism' (http://www.brugesgroup.com/about/index.live)
  • Busting the EU myths - from the Bruges Group (http://www.brugesgroup.com/mediacentre/comment.live?article=123)
  • So what NAFTA then? - view from Patrick Minford (http://www.euro-know.org/telegraph/dt990719.html)
  • The Nafta alternative - from The Telegraph (http://www.news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/campaigns/eunion/eualternative.xml)
  • Would NAFTA be a Better Alternative? - arguments centring on the UK leaving the EU and joining the North America Free Trade Association (NAFTA) (http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2000/eurounion/story/headtohead/nafta.html)