Today was without a doubt an exciting day. A bunch of us were invited to participate in a debate in parliament on the issue of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, in total there were eighty students participating from across London. 

We were later invited to watch MP's debate on the same issue as us in the House of Commons. Oh god was I excited, I anticipated on seeing the house full, MP's shouting at each other, Labour stalling the debate as usual, MP's flipping each other off... Instead, I witnessed seven or so MP's peacefully sat down, playing Candy Crush on their iPad's and one fella with his leg on the Table of the House of Commons. Our debate was more stimulating and emotive than the Commons. Nonetheless, I enjoyed myself.

 Although I consider myself to be Euro-skeptic, I argued against the UK's withdrawal. Here's an extract from my speech:

EU, two letters that have the ability to stir a considerable amount of hatred or to make you rejoice in happiness…

It’s astounding to hear a minority of nationalists, right-wing politicians and the press are obsessed with trying to remove the UK from what is notable for being the largest single market in the world. The EU is an economic zone larger than that of the USA and Japan combined with a total GDP of around £11 trillion.
People are not well informed on the EU; they rarely hear the benefits and are constantly bombarded by the negatives through the press. Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the EU for Brits is the thought of immigration.

The press, Daily Mail in particular, enjoy painting a negative image of immigration; always providing us with one side of the story to manipulate us into thinking immigration is detrimental to the UK. The accusations they make are false.

 Findings taken from official government data prove that since 1999, immigrants have had a positive impact on the UK, both financially and socially. Immigrants who arrived from 1999 were 45% less likely to receive state benefits than native Brits. You may claim immigrants are costing taxpayers millions each year, however, may I remind you immigrants contribute 34% more in taxes than they received in benefits, and on average pay more taxes than Brits.

Every year we witness British students competing with students across the world, so why is it that the UK has managed to retain its Royal Society, its lead in science, economy and industry, while its next generation are more interesting in watching Big Brother and silly soap operas, why hasn’t the British economy or industry collapsed? That’s because of immigrants who come here to study. The report reveals that migrants are indeed better educated than native Brits. In 2011, 32% of those from the European Economic Area (EEA) and 43% of those from outside the region had a university degree, whereas for native Brits it was less than 21%. Surely it would only be wise for us to benefit from migrants with such qualifications. Our brilliant education system is drawing more and more students and in return, making them the business leaders, doctors, solicitors of tomorrow which contribute to making the UK a prosperous nation.

Approximately two million Brits work, live, study or are retired in other EU countries and over 800,000 of them are estimated to reside in Spain alone. In addition, tens of thousands of Brits own second homes right across the EU. Aren’t they the same as migrants working in the UK? Also, if we drop out of the UK, what would happen to those living or studying abroad?


Both the people and politicians are under a false illusion, immigration is indeed out of control, and many believe the only way to reverse this, is to abandon the EU.