The reasons why I'm IN: I vote REMAIN in the EU #StrongerIn

There has never been any doubt where my vote would lie in the EU Referendum.  I'm IN

Britain IS stronger remaining in the EU, financially and politically.  The EU offers collegiality, especially with information to ensure Britain and the whole of Europe ARE safer together.  It also provides consistency throughout, enshrining equal pay and employment rights, and even though Britain currently goes beyond the base levels of minimum wage, and the variety of leave (mat, pat, sick, etc), by remaining in the EU it ensures these base levels are protected, which would not be guaranteed if Britain breaks from the EU.

Businesses flourish because Britain IS part of a bigger community, and with all global businesses there are no borders, and it would be foolish to put restrictions on these businesses by forcing them to renegotiate hundreds of trade deals and change the way their businesses are run in one country all because they deviate from standardised legislation and policies.

I missed the memo when Britain 'lost its control' for it to be in a position where it feels it must "take back control".  As far as I am aware, we vote our representatives in Europe who speak for us.  Unfortunately, MANCHESTER (and the Northwest) elected several UKIP members as MEPs who have often failed to turn up AND vote.  So are these the people who can be trusted with our economy, public services, and future if we break from the EU?

Personally, I've reaped many benefits from being an EU Citizen.  Many years of frequent and cheap travel around Europe, especially Germany, and love going through the "EU" security gate at the airport.  I hate the rigmarole of visas and customs like in the USA.  The tactics I use to get to the front of the queue are astounding!

Due to ERASMUS (EU funded programme and exchange), I have collaborated with another leading European university (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München) on best practices and process improvement; a great opportunity for my career and mostly funded by the ERASMUS scheme.  Plus, living in one of the World's best cities and experiencing and surrounding myself with the wonderful German culture.  I highly doubt this would be possible if Britain was not in the EU.

Finally, in reference to the EU immigrants:   Being in the EU has enabled myself to work outside of Britain, but also friends to work here in Britain.  Forgetting the huge financial contributions other Europeans make towards Britain's economy, what is important to me, is the contribution other Europeans (and International citizens) make towards our culture and lives.  Not to  mention, as I work at a university, I work with a diverse range of people of many nationalities (and not just the from the EU), who are specialists in their fields.  Not only do they enrich my life as colleagues and friends, they also enrich the educational environment that I work in.  Breaking from the EU would greatly hinder these opportunities.

I believe by leaving the EU it would limit our World making it smaller and isolating  ourselves from a bigger, better, safer, stronger European community.

I vote to remain in the EU.