There are pros and cons for leaving the EU. The ideology behind it is to form a richer continent that could compete on an ever competing world-stage.

However, part of the problem is economic divide between members. Some countries are richer while some are poorer. When there is such an economic difference, then people will leave to seek opportunity and wealth elsewhere.

This is why so many from Eastern Europe move and settle in Western European countries. Not only is the standard of living higher, but there are better public services, job opportunities and governance in comparison.

A fully qualified doctor in Poland for example makes less than what someone working minimum wage does in the UK for example.

However, free momevemt of people does not take into account job market saturation. When you have an influx of low skilled workers taking low skilled positions then you add to the workpool. This allows employers to have a wider choice of who they employ while knowing they can be picky and won't need to offer fair wages because they have choice.

This is why zero hour contracts was so popular. It allowed employers to hire people on a "when needed" basis with no certainly of hours which benefited them and the consumer. Those living in the UK who aren't here on a temporary basis and have the usual living costs, like bringing up a family - cannot work similar jobs due to the above. People need stability and to be paid fairly while knowing and making use of their rights.

So you have asked me whether controlling borders was a reason to leave the EU and I would say it's one reason, and a good one. Cameron knew it was something the public sought and he tried to negotiate with the EU and was rejected prior to announcing the referendum.

I also think another good reason is for the UK to be in full control of laws and governence without influence from Europe. We are a sovereign country and our laws are respected and formed the foundations for various countries around the world, including the United States. I do not agree that EU laws have over-arching influence over countries where the public had little say in who votes or what gets passed.

I also feel the EU has evolved into something much larger are more influential that it was supposed to be. The driver behind the EU was to increase trade by removing red tape and to encourage growth, however with that came more regulation - which isn't neccessery a bad thing, as it ensures a level playing field and standards. However, it also forms complexity. An example is the covid vaccine ordering fiasco. Trying to form agreement and a strategy was slow and languorous which led to a slow rollout and was overly inefficient.

Personally I would have liked to stay in the EU as there were a number of benefits, however I also can understand why people wanted to leave. Not everyone in a country wants to abide by the four economic freedoms of the EU, especially when some rules impact some countries more than others. However, from the EU's perspective that was non-negotiable. I also feel the EU requires reform from within to bring back it's former purpose and to avoid becoming another United States.