Should Britain remain in the EU?

Over two thirds of Warwick students want Britain to remain a member of the European Union, a survey carried out by the Boar has revealed.

A clear majority also believed that Warwick University would suffer if Britain were to leave the EU.Of the 154 students surveyed, less than one in five wanted Britain to leave.

Britain is set to have a referendum on continuing its EU membership on June 23.

The survey indicated high levels of student interest in the referendum. Only 2.6% of respondents said that they would not be voting despite being eligible.

However it must be taken into account that this survey was voluntary, and therefore likely to appeal more to politically-minded students.

69% would vote to stay in the EU

It also revealed that a significant number of EU and international students – who cannot vote – still held opinions on Britain’s membership.

Of those who could not vote (19.5% of respondents,) none wanted Britain to leave the EU.

Immigration and sovereignty were cited as the main factors in the decisions of students wanting to leave. By contrast, economics and freedom of movement were the main factors given by those who wanted a remain vote.

However answers on both sides were incredibly varied, showing the complicated nature of the debate. Also cited as important issues were international cooperation, science funding, democracy, peace, and human rights.

One respondent answered that “without the EU, the Tories could change human rights laws, and that is terrifying.”