European Union Expert Predicts Britain Will Exit, Causing Ripples Across The Continent

Newswise — Further evidence of Europe’s economic and political instability lies in word of the possible withdrawal of Britain from the European Union, says Guy Whitten, professor of political science and director of the European Union Center at Texas A&M University. Whitten says he expects the vote to stay or go will be very close. “Until recently, I thought that the British would stay in the EU, but it looks like the undecided votes are breaking more toward exit than remain,” he says. “If this continues, it would be highly unusual since undecided votes in referenda around the world usually break towards the status quo, which in this case would be to remain in the EU.” Whitten says the ramifications of Britain’s exit will be “absolutely huge. It could be the beginning of the unraveling of the entire EU project as we know it. It could also lead to the unraveling of the UK since it appears that staying in the EU was one of the reasons that many Scots voted to stay in the UK.” He notes that international currency markets are already reacting to the recent polls and says he expects both the pound and the euro to plummet, “at least in the short run if the exit campaign wins.” To interview Professor Whitten, contact Lesley Henton at [email protected].