On Wednesday the Prime Minister David Cameron set out his vision for the European Union and its future relationship with the United Kingdom.  This was never going to be an easy speech.  The Euro-sceptic group within the Conservative party would have been satisfied by nothing less than the promise of an in/out referendum.  Alternatively a line up of important partners including our EU partners, the USA, China and big business have publically stated their desire for the UK to remain a key player inside Europe.

Leaving aside any speculation as to the Prime Minister’s motivations (party unity, seeing off the threat from UKIP, securing a boost in the polls etc), the speech did raise a valid and welcome point.  The PM acknowledged that, “If we left the European Union it would be a one-way ticket, not a return.  So we will have time for a proper reasoned debate” (my emphasis).

Issues for consideration listed by the PM include Security, Criminal Laws, The Single Market, Business Regulations, investment in the UK based on our current membership of the EU and our influence in international affairs.

Here at Pod Academy evidence led policy development is a key aim in our mission to provide a platform for academics to communicate their current research to as wide an audience as possible.  We believe that research enlivens and deepens public debate while providing empirical evidence to judge the claims of politicians and other public figures.  This has never been more important when the sound bite, emotive stories and ‘sincerely held beliefs’ is quickly becoming the common language of politics.

As a start for exploring this issue for your self why not check out What does it mean to be British? and The East India Company and its Legacy to better understand the historical issues surrounding what the PM refers to as our ‘island mentality’.  Then click through to The Spirit Level, Poverty, and What makes us healthy? to see what challenges we face as a nation.  Finally you may want to consider the evidence for the devaluation of political debate in Sound Bites, U-Turns and Populism – The rise of the professional politician.

Only time will tell if the PM can deliver a thoughtful and research based approach to both the negotiation with our European partners and the following referendum on our membership of the EU.  Whether the eventual outcome is Bonjour or Auf Wiedersehen, Pod Academy will be bringing you cutting edge research to help you make a decision on this important national issue.