A former resident of Britain now living in Mountain View County is wondering what will happen to her homeland now that it has voted to leave the European Union (EU).
She's hopeful all will eventually go well.
The vote was held Thursday. Fifty-two per cent voted to leave; 48 per cent voted to stay in the EU.
Lisa Nicholson immigrated to Canada eight years ago.
Nicholson is relieved she didn't have to vote in this referendum because she sees pros and cons on both sides of the issue.
“When we left the U.K. (United Kingdom) we felt that resources were not acceptable to raise our children. Class sizes were a staggering 40 children. Hospital and surgery wait times were high. Of course an aging population was also a reason for this,” Nicholson says.
“Emergency services were stretched. The population explosion was not properly dealt with. The correct infrastructure was not in place when we joined the EU. People were feeling the economic downturn and felt upset that immigrants were claiming benefits and valuable jobs,” she adds.
“The pros as I saw them are that the U.K. would no longer have to pay the EU membership fee, a staggering $8.5 billion last year. It would also reduce immigration into the U.K.
“There is a lack of housing and services in the U.K. and this was one of our reasons for leaving the U.K. eight years ago. It would also hopefully help Britain to establish itself again as an independent country. Also, it may increase safety with better border control.
“However, there are possible cons to this with the loss of free trade with EU countries, the loss of possible interim investment. Britain may be a less useful partner to the U.S.,” Nicholson says.
She notes the value of the British pound sank immediately upon news of the referendum result.
She sees other downsides to the result as well.
“We would also have the cost of treating expats' medical care in EU countries. We would also lose the income tax from the people who immigrate,” Nicoholson says.
Nicholson's parents are currently visiting her and her husband.
They both voted “yes” (to leave the EU).
“Their main reason for voting to leave was to gain control over our own country and legal system again,” Nicholson says.
“They said voting was difficult, given the scare mongering on both sides of the debate. However, the one thing they knew for sure was that we don't have the space or infrastructure to accommodate the growing population.”
Nicholson says tough times are ahead for Britain in the wake of the so-called “Brexit” but she's confident it will survive.
“I understand that the U.K. will have some difficult times ahead. Also many of my friends voted to stay and fear for their pensions and their children who will have a possible recession to deal with.
“However, I know all my birth country residents are strong and will return back to the days when we were proud to fly the flag and say ‘U.K. proud,'” she says.
"I know all my birth country residents are strong and will return back to the days when we were proud to fly the flag and say 'U.K. proud,'" LISA NICHOLSON
