This series is being run by a young Brit who lived in Belgium for 19 years and now resides in Cardiff, known on theSprout as Ironfoot. The aim? To inform and involve other young people in this once-in-a-generation debate from many important and interesting perspectives.
The EU referendum is in less than a month and will decide the future fate for Britain on its European Union Membership, with team Brexit (British Exit) wanting to leave the EU and team Bremain (Pro–EU) wishing to stay. With less than two weeks to go, there are still a lot of questions to be answered, especially around British expats, employment, businesses and the economy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtNz8YHHU54&feature=youtu.be
This article is the final interview of my trip to Brussels (capital of Belgium), where I interviewed British expats about if they are affected by the EU Referendum and what their personal views are.
The location was the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium (BCCB), where I was to meet the Chief Executive Mr. Glenn Vaughan. The organisation has been around since 1898 because of the long and important economic relationship between the UK and Belgium. In fact, Belgium is one of the UK’s largest export partners – within the top 10.
The BCCB’s main objectives are to help British companies in Belgium, but they also work closely with European and international enterprises, such as Airbus and General Motors.
According to the BCCB’s website, they are the only chamber with direct links to the European Union, so they understand EU pros and cons.
The European Union plays a very crucial role in the BCCB’s work because, as Mr Vaughan explains, “It helps companies to understand the process of legislation of policy-making in the EU and to make sure they [the BCCB] can influence that legislation so that it is going to help companies do their job”.
Glenn has been working and living in Belgium since 1995 and, before that, he previously worked in Wales. He stated that he worked “previously in Wales with Mic Morgan Training Enterprise Council, helping organise, train and help people get back into work. That was about three years”. Then, he moved to Belgium and he and his family are currently there as expats. Mr. Vaughan declared that he cannot get the vote for the referendum and he argues that the referendum will have an impact on for his work and his family.
[Related: EU Referendum #4 | Interview: Why British Expats In Europe Should Be Given The Vote]
The rest of the interview covers the effects that the referendum will have towards employment, businesses and the economy. Also, he touches on the importance of the European Union and how there are the urgent issues being raised regarding the EU referendum.
Please note: Mr Glenn Vaughan is declaring his personal views in this interview only!
If you wish to watch the full interview, please watch the video.
You can read more here about what Chief Executive, Glenn Vaughan has to say about the referendum in his Executive Statement on the UK’s EU referendum.
Related Film & All Series Articles:
Exclusive Film: The UK’s Relationship With The EU
EU Referendum #2 | Interview: What Will Happen To The EU Students If Brexit Wins?
EU Referendum #3 | Interview: Brexit Would Be Good For International Students
EU Referendum #4 | Interview: Why British Expats In Europe Should Be Given The Vote
EU Referendum #5 | Interview: How Will The Arts & Disabilities In Cardiff Be Impacted?
EU Referendum #9 | Interview: How Will The Erasmus Programme Be Impacted By The EU Referendum?
EU Referendum #14: Interview: Derek Vaughan, Labour MEP
In a muddle about voting? Check out our BRAND NEW Voting page in our Info section here. Includes handy tips on what to do if you’re too young to vote.
Get Involved:
Want to reach thousands of young Cardiffians? Submit your news here or register to become a contributor.
*Want to become a reviewer? Join the Sprout Editorial Group on Facebook or email tom@thesprout.co.uk.
The next Sprout Editorial Group meeting is Thursday 30th June 2016 in Cardiff Central Library.
