EU Referendum: Your choice, your future

Young Workers June 13 2016

With the EU referendum just over a week away, campaigners from both sides of the debate are trying to energize and engage with young people so they vote on 23rd June. Young people’s votes are crucial to both camps and polls suggest they could have the potential to swing the referendum’s result one way or the other.[i]

Young People’s votes therefore matter. And you are key to the outcome.

The big issue for the main political parties at the moment is that a significant proportion of young people do not turn out to vote. In the 2015 general election it is estimated just 43% cast their ballot[ii]. Results of a number of polls published on the BBC website[iii] suggest that 53% of 18 to 24-year-olds are certain to vote on 23rd June, compared with 85% of those over the age of 65 (poll by ORB) . Another poll by YouGov put the figures at 50% and 60% respectively. Nevertheless, young people’s turnout in political elections is usually lower than any other age group.[iv] Yet, young people who are eligible to vote were born under a Britain in Europe.

CWUYouth, it appears are faced with similar dilemmas to that of their cohorts.

It is reported in some parts of the media that many young people think a lot of the discussions and debates around whether or not we leave the EU are scaremongering tactics. Others cannot see the benefits of staying in or getting out – they don’t know. For some, there is simply no interest in registering to vote as the EU referendum is something they feel has nothing to do with their lives. Others want to stay in Europe as they believe it is better for the economy, safer for the future and travel is unhindered without the need for visas.

Those in favour of leaving the EU say that Britain cannot control immigration until it leaves the EU, because freedom of movement gives other EU citizens an automatic right to live here. Euro sceptics further point to what they refer to as the many dictates passing down from Brussels via the European Court of Justice. Brexits believe it is wrong as it takes away the sovereignty from UK courts[v].

Those arguing to remain say a Brexit vote could have potentially huge implications for capital markets, given the size of London’s financial industry.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party is historically thought of as a Eurosceptic. Today Jeremy is appealing to younger voters to back Remain in the EU’ referendum, admitting that he does not love the EU, but the UK benefits from it. He appeals to young people to vote and make your decision, take destiny in your own hands’.

Jeremy has chosen to take this stance as he does not want to limit the horizons, opportunities and chances for young people to be able to travel around Europe and study elsewhere.[vi]

The CWU’s policy to remain in Europe is very clear. We enjoy some of the best rights in the world as a result of joining the European Union. A few of these are

The Working Time Directive – limiting the number of hours worked (there is an voluntary opt out clause)

  • Paid holidays
  • Extra maternity rights
  • Protection against pregnancy discrimination
  • Better conditions for part-time workers

If we were to leave the EU, we could lose some of our most basic rights we take for granted.

It is your opportunity to vote and we urge all our young people to use their vote.

Our thanks to the CWU’s Research Department, who have provided this article.

Photocredit: Getty Images

[i] Could young people determine the EU referendum, intergenerational foundation, 5th April 2016, accessed at: http://www.if.org.uk/archives/7917/could-young-people-determine-the-eu-referendum

[ii] Market research company Ipos Mori reproduced on the BBC website “Young people don’t care about politics or do they?” 11th March 2016 accessed via http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35775773

[iii] ibid

[iv] ibid

[v] “European Union: the arguments for and against exit”, The Telegraph online, 12th October 2015 accessed via http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/eureferendum/11921098/European-Union-The-arguments-for-and-against-exit.html

[vi] “Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn appeals to young people to back EU..”, 13th May 2016 CITYA.M accessed via www.cityam.com/241067/eu-referendum-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-appeals.