Filling the EU void in an unprepared Britain

As the EU referendum reaches its climax, is Britain prepared for either outcome? (Image: Telegraph)

Last week marked exactly four years since I left Bangor University. And when I departed after nearly three years living and studying there, the city in North Wales was in the process of change. They had one particular, ambitious development at its heart that would benefit their local community. This development was Pontio.

Pontio is an arts and innovation centre that comprises of a theatre, cinema, University facilities, a bar and restaurant. This building replaced the ageing Students Union that, as a first year academic in 2009/10, I sensed was falling apart and needed to change; and Theatr Gwynedd that had been closed for a number of years previous. But now, the city of 20,000 has a theatre to showcase local talent rather than relying on lecture theatres. And the locals can no longer rely so much on rail fares to watch the latest blockbuster in Llandudno Junction or Holyhead, 15-20 miles away. And opening new eating facilities adds to the variety of places to dine.

Ultimately, this project is proving, so far, to be a success. Jobs were formed to build this reality, and jobs are provided to help Pontio function from management level right down to waiters, cleaners and receptionists. Not only that, it is boosting Bangor's economy, attracting tourists when before the city was known to be the insignificant beauty in the middle of the scenic Conwy, Anglesey and Caernarfon. And this has been largely thanks to investment from the Welsh government and, for the sake of my argument here, the European Union.

Pontio in Bangor, north Wales (Image: BBC)

The EU-backed ERDF (European Regional Development Fund), used for Pontio, is just one of 800 subsidies invested by Brussels to help local British communities that are often ignored by Westminster. Many of us outspokenly groan about the austerity measures the Conservative government have imposed these past six years - the EU simply fills their gaps.

Not only does the EU fund buildings in the UK but also initiatives. While I was unemployed for a year between summer of 2012 and spring 2013, there was a scheme launched called Jobs Growth Wales aimed at 16-24 year olds from many walks of life. Here were some great opportunities for parts of Wales that lacked roles. The EU-funded European Social Fund injected £25 million (over the three year period from April 2012) into this and has helped put 15,000 young people into some form of employment. A further £25 million was added by Brussels during the scheme's refresh last year. Did Westminster in anyway help make this happen? They certainly encourage this as they cut key sectors that Jobs Growth Wales later invested in.

Is the European Union perfect? Of course not. But is, say, your mobile phone contract? Like Westminster to Brussels, we spend a lot of money on our phones for internet, calls and texts but as many times you think you'll get a better deal elsewhere, there is no such thing as a perfect contract. In an ideal world, you would want unlimited everything for near nothing. But you still need a phone for that crucial communication. That void is filled so you don't need to rely on other means to communicate. The EU in my eyes offers that similar convenience.

The key argument against UK's membership in the EU is immigration, but for those who are emotionally concerned with the masses coming here doesn't have faith in our security system - an envy of the world. I have faith in our policing and Border Controls in identifying who are the 'right' and 'wrong' people about to reside in Britain, and the EU respects that and don't interfere as much as some think they do. Reportedly, only 13.2% of British laws are enforced by Brussels. That is a tiny price to pay for the apparent loss of sovereignty, which the only person who should complain about that is the Queen herself, and as she didn't write her own speech in Parliament last month then I'm sure she's pretty happy about her current responsibilities. And remember, these supposedly undemocratically elected bureaucrats are indeed elected by the MEPs we vote for, and put trust in to choose ideal candidates to run Brussels.

David Cameron talking about EU (Image: Guardian)

Now, as a pro-EU citizen myself, I don't want to warn people of a potential Boris Johnson government should Cameron decide to resign over the outcome of this referendum, but that is a distinct possibility. I have spoken in the past of my displeasure of what he's done for London as Mayor these past eight years yet if Brexit is to occur, whether he is in power or not, nobody hasn't a public known plan in how to fill that 13.2% (again, this figure is reported, not factual) void. Cameron doesn't and neither really does Johnson. He mentions this Australia points system that would apparently reduce net-migration as it does Down Under, but is that a guarantee?

I just wish every party and official campaigner who has a power to change law, have a Plan A, B and C, regardless of the outcome. It's healthy to be pro one way, but with the prospect of FTSE 100 and the Bank of England feeling the pinch, come the day after the referendum, surely any options and assurances would put them at ease? Leave campaigners rubbish economists rather than showcasing viable plans to assure them it would be all okay. And Remain campaigners aren't doing enough to assure sceptical entrepreneurs that there is a workable economic plan regardless of the vote.

One thing is for certain - even if the UK remains in the EU after 23rd June, the country's atmosphere will change. It won't be 'business as usual'. Europe has been shaken by this referendum too. I certainly hope the result is more decisive as polls suggest so none of us would complain. But for those who haven't yet voted and are undecided, go visit some of the projects you use in your local area and ask who funds it. Particularly the older generation likely to vote Brexit, you may be using a service that is mainly thanks to the European Union.

Regardless of the vote, I don't think the world would come to an end, as both sides try to frighten people with this prospect. We've moved on from World War II where Europe attacked each other, and despite the threats reportedly posed by extremists all over the world, we have to thank the great Border Control we have, that limits it to nearly zero in the UK.