jura2
21C, we need to be united as much as possible to resist competition from the USA, China, Russia and others- in so many ways, and not 'just' economic. We also know that we will have to pay a massively heavy price (and not just in money) for deals from the above. We are facing issues that have to be tackled in strong cooperation- terrorism, research and innovation, the environment, and so much more - this is much better done WITH our EU partners.
With regard to competition, we should not look to compete on a like for like basis. UK is very innovative and well known for bespoke products the 'world' regard 'made in Britain' products as prestige. Also there is still competition within the EU many of our contracts go to EU countries who have lower manpower costs because they pay poorer wages and benefits to their workers. Remember the scrum over which country would get the financial business when the vote leave was announced. There are fabulous world markets out there that we have been prevented from trading with due to EU directives and tarrif restrictions"
Cooperation on terrorism, research and innovation has and always will be done on a global scale. There are more countries within the EU that actual contribute little or nothing in either terrorism, research and innovation and rely on UK and one or two others to provide this. UK is a leader in all of those fields...another reason why EU is making it difficult to leave.