Quote (fender @ Jun 24 2016 06:51am)
ya about that... 2nd strongest european economy, contributed even less than france and struggling italy. in terms of relative contribution (% of gni) second lowest amongst all donor countries...
don't get me wrong, a powerful uk that would be willing to contribute accordingly and embrace a leading role alongside germany and france in the EU would have been ideal - but that was never up for debate really. in fact, had you voted "remain", you probably would have acted like the EU owed you even more... no, it's better like that. if you're not willing to contribute to your potential, you shouldn't benefit from being a member...
I'm predicting both of those countries will begin negotiations for a referendum in the near future, given the success of this one and the already existing discontent with the EU in those countries. Already calls for referenda in France and the Netherlands, they're only going to get louder.