Closed petition UK European Union Membership - Debate the alternatives & consequences of leaving the EU

Closed on 1 November 2012

The signatories of this petition, request the Government to hold a full and open debate on the alternatives available and the consequences for the UK if leaving the European Union became an option or reality.

We further ask, that a motion be put forward for a free vote on the following known alternatives available:

1) The 'Norwegian option' - Meaning unnder this proposal, Britain remains a member of the European Economic Area (EEA);

2) The 'Swiss option' - Meaning Switzerland is a member of the EFTA but remains outside both the EEA and the EU;

3) Unilateral Free Trade - Meaning a renewed focus on The Commonwealth and Britain establishing a normal trading relationship with the EU without any explicit treaty and relies on the rules set by the World Trade Organization (WTO).