What would change if Britain left the EU?

Britain has been part of the European Union since 1973, but a referendum planned for 2017 could change that.

Here are 10 things which could happen if the UK left the EU, according to campaigners on both sides.

The possible 'pros' of leaving the EU

• Britain 'could get more legal powers'

Campaigners say the European Union currently overrides British law in many areas. Those in favour of an exit argue that Britain would be able to sign our own trade deals through the World Trade Organisation and British laws would be supreme over EU law.

• Businesses 'could have red tape reduced'

Increased regulation has made British and EU businesses less able to compete globally. Leaving the EU would remove much of the red tape restricting UK businesses ensuring greater trade with emerging markets and developing economies, those in favour of an exit claim.

• Families 'would be better off'

Figures show that since 1979, Britain has paid in about €260 billion (£228 billion) and has received just €163 billion (£143 billion) in benefits back, and the UK's annual contributions continue to rise. It is estimated each household would be £933 better off if we left the EU.

• Household bills 'could get cheaper'

Councils are subject to a levy under EU law, which is then carried on to council tax charges. Supporters of an EU exit say if we did leave, as much as £500 million could be shaved off council tax bills.

• Immigration 'would be fairer'

Eurosceptics say we can’t control immigration from the EU and this forces Britain to discriminate against people from non-EU countries.

Once we leave, they claim a fairer system can be put in place which treats everyone the same - irrespective of whether you are from the EU, India, Canada or Australia.

The potential 'cons' of leaving

• Britain could 'lose out' on trade deals

Pro-Europe campaigners say being part of the EU allows the UK to benefit from trade deals it could not negotiate on its own.

With £11 trillion-worth of business, the EU Single Market is where the UK does half of all its trade, so it is argued that Britain could miss out if we left.

However, this is disputed by some, who say leaving the union would give Britain the freedom to deal with any nation it wishes, on its own terms.

• Imported goods 'could end up being pricier'

The UK imports a lot of goods which cannot be produced at home. If Britain were to leave the EU, Europhiles say the government might decide to impose large tariffs on European imports which could end up costing consumers a hefty price.

• Britain 'might not be as environmentally clean'

As part of the EU, it is claimed the UK is better able to tackle international problems that spread across national borders, such as climate change and pollution. Supporters say since we joined our beaches have become safer and cleaner.

• Our freedom to live or work in other countries could be restricted

There are currently more than 2 million ex-pats living in EU countries. If we left, campaigners say tighter restrictions on where we travel, study, retire or want to buy property could come into force, and we could also lose employment rights which are currently in place.

• Our safety 'could be compromised'

EU supporters say co-operating with the other 27 Member States means the UK and its neighbours are safer from terrorism and international crime. The crime and justice system is also faster and simpler as extraditing people has now reduced from a year to 105 days on average.