Marlene Mizzi

In a few days, British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens, including Maltese, living in the United Kingdom will decide on whether or not the UK should continue to form part of the European Union. With the polls largely neck and neck, there have been many speculations and bogus claims dominating both sides of the debate increasing the uncertainty about the eventual outcome. When the debate is tested on the scale of credibility, the debate to remain tilts the scales. On Thursday, the result may differ.

The Brexit exponents based their arguments on emotion and bravado, while the ‘Remain’ exponents had their feet on solid ground.

Brexit supporters - Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson come to mind – make you wonder if they realise that their colourful show is not likely to grow economies and give people jobs, careers, education, health services and financial services and attract investment. A Brexit feeds no one except the egos and ambitions of extreme right wingers.

The International Monetary Fund said a vote to exit the EU would precipitate the UK in a protracted period of uncertainty, leading to financial market volatility and a direct hit to output. It will also hit the pound. Other EU countries will take a significant dent to their economies and their global financial influence. However, some member states, like Malta, are more exposed to the volatile negative effects of a possible Brexit than others.

Maltese exports of goods and services to the UK amount to a minimum eight per cent of GDP, based on long-established relations in tourism, trade, investments, labour and financial markets, education and health.

With the referendum around the corner, people are worried and ask: “What is plan B?” What they should be asking is: “Is there a plan B?”

There isn’t. The UK and the EU have refused to discuss other options. I’m not sure this was wise. However, that does not mean that many of us did not analyse the consequences of Brexit.

If the majority vote to leave, nobody knows what the future regime will look like

If the majority vote to leave, nobody knows what the future regime will look like. Britain would need to negotiate the terms of its withdrawal and a new relationship with the EU. This will take years and the UK may be thrown into an economic limbo.

The options vary , from the UK becoming a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), to re-joining the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), adopting the Swiss model (although German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble recently slammed the door on the idea), to concluding a free trade agreement with the EU or even entering into a Customs union with the EU.

What is clear is that a withdrawal agreement would need to address the phasing out of EU financial programmes, rules and norms. The economies of the UK and of the EU have become so interdependent that a complete separation from the EU acquis would, frankly, be impossible.

In other words, if the UK is willing to continue to export to the EU, it would still have to comply with EU standards but without the right to substantially influence their content.

Malta’s role, as part of the presidency, would be to find the right balance and facilitate the painful process of withdrawal negotiations. The Maltese authorities should try to secure the best possible deal for their citizens living, working, studying or having businesses with, and in, the UK. Another option would be to strengthen our relationship with the UK through the Commonwealth network, which will be given new impetus in the event of a Brexit. Luckily for us, Malta’s European Council presidency coincides with our term as Commonwealth chair in office.

The British people have a big choice to make on Thursday. Whatever the outcome, we have to respect their choice. I hope voters will understand the implications of a possible ‘Leave’ vote for Europe but most of all for the future interest of Britain and its citizens and so will vote for the UK to stay in the EU.

Marlene Mizzi is Labour Member of the European Parliament.

Roberta Metsola

We are days away from a watershed moment in European political history as the United Kingdom votes to decide whether it should remain a member state of the European Union or not. The latest polls indicate that both sides are neck and neck.

It is a decision that will be taken by the sovereign voters in Britain (including a number of Maltese residents) and the outcome will be respected whatever it may be. The Nationalist Party’s position is very clear in that we would like the UK to remain a member in an ever-evolving EU. This is the one option that strengthens the EU, strengthens Malta and strengthens the UK.

The implications of a Brexit for Malta are significant.

Firstly there are the thousands of Maltese nationals who live and work in the UK. We have seen that Britain would be able to request an emergency brake on in-work welfare benefits for EU migrants, which I think goes a long way in recognising the particular situation of the UK in this regard, but the onus is on the Maltese government now to ensure that no deal would negatively affect the many Maltese there. They should not be treated as second-class citizens. The protection of their rights in a UK outside the EU are uncertain and it will be up to the Maltese government to have a strong voice to ensure they are safeguarded.

Likewise, it will affect the situation of thousands of UK nationals who are resident in Malta.

Keeping the UK in a reformed EU is a win-win situation for everyone

A huge portion of Malta’s cross-border trade depends on effective links with the UK within an EU internal market. If that is jeopardised then the effect on our enterprises would, of course, be felt. Business owners are concerned about the potential effects of a UK exit and the government needs to have a plan in place to ensure that businesses are kept informed and helped where needed.

People are also concerned about the impact on tourism. We have seen that Brexit fears will cause the sterling currency to dip in value, meaning that UK residents will be less likely to travel to places like Malta and Gozo – affecting jobs here.

At the end of the day, the referendum will not be won or lost on statistics. It is about change.

People’s frustrations with the way the EU sometimes functions are understandable. I share some of them. I am a reformer, therefore, given the chance between fixing a project or burning it down, I would attempt to fix it. That’s why I welcomed the package negotiated by David Cameron, which will see the EU reform. It is essential that the EU goes back to being ‘big on big things and small on small things’.

One issue that goes in that direction was the introduction of a ‘red card system’ which allows 55 per cent of national parliaments in Council to be able to veto EU legislation. This will also increase the powers of Malta’s Parliament.

The EU is often blamed for many ills, some of them fairly so but most of them not. I defend the EU project as a cause for peace, free movement and free trade.

It has helped defend environmental standards, security, workers’ rights and fundamental rights, which have often been fashioned after British practices.

The EU is the single most important reason why my generation only knows peace and it is my hope that voters realise that keeping the UK in a reformed EU is a win-win situation for everyone.

@robertametsola

Roberta Metsola is Shadow Minister for Foreign and European Affairs.

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