Britain and the EU: In or Out?

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Britain is heading into a general election in May with its continued membership of the European Union one of the key issues. The Conservative Party – the senior partner in a coalition government for the past five years – is campaigning with the promise of a referendum on EU membership. The UK Independence Party – currently third in opinion polls, with a big growth of support in recent years – strongly advocates leaving. The other parties with significant national support want to stay in. What would a possible exit from the EU mean for Britain – and what would it mean for the EU? How would a vote to leave affect the UK’s economy, its trade, foreign investment and its vitally important financial services sector? Also, would a Britain outside the EU be able to play a major role on the world stage? How would it affect its “special relationship” with the United States? Image: British and EU flags. Credit: Thinkstock