Brexit: A Personal Opinion
Surprised about Brexit?
For four decades, the vast majority of the populace of the UK have shown little interest in the EU or its preceding organisations. Apart from complaint and blame that is; they, the EU, are at some time or other the culprits behind almost all British woes and failures, seldom successes.
Little evidence of a sense of “us” exists despite the truth that democratically elected UK parliamentarians sit in the EU chamber. Turnout at European elections in this oldest of democracies are traditionally low, even more so than the normal lacklustre towards general elections compared to, say, in Germany.
Sovereignty & Democracy
Reviewing definitions of sovereignty does not bring clarity to the major Brexit issue. To the contrary, both pro and contra Brexit camps are more than capable of formulating claims to support their goals. Arguments cover the full spectrum from the EU “aiding the expansion of sovereignty” to the UK needing to “regain sovereignty to govern itself freely”.
Democracy also comes in many forms. First past the post in the UK, minority party participation in government in Germany or the caucus or delegate method in the US are just three examples of imperfect, if functional democratic systems. No denying, the EU is also democratic in its own way.
The Underdog?
The English are experiencing a taste of their own medicine. They now know how the Scots feel. The population of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland amounts to more or less 15% of the UK. Compare that figure of some 63 million in total to the EU of over 500 million and the national feeling of despair becomes more understandable. Add to that, dare I say it, a collective envy or wonder of Germany at the helm and it becomes tough.
Traditionally the residents of the UK, especially the English, are not used to being told what they can or cannot do. Tensions even within the British Isles flare and fade. Offence can boil easily, so why should the UK stay in the EU purely so that others can gain?
The fine balance between positive and negative aspects of membership to the European Union becomes a pendulum of emotional and rational deciders.
Fact, Fiction and Context
The surprised reactions of many people I’ve spoken to about Brexit are quite astounding. Surely the increasingly panicky interaction surrounding this important topic should surprise nobody.
Experts have been delivering their views, opinions and projections. Professionals have been supplying shockingly deceitful soundbites. Many politicians follow their own agendas. The truth be told, very few place the magnitude of topics in context.
For instance, the much touted net sum of 8 billion pounds annual cost of EU membership may seem high. Placed into context maybe not so. That same figure apparently relates to slightly more than 1% of total UK GDP.
Foundation for Decision?
References and comparisons to pre 1948 are frankly ridiculous. Reflecting upon major wars (my Grandfather also suffered and died in disgusting circumstances) or battles like Waterloo and men such as Napoleon, Churchill or the guy with the moustache reveal a striking lack of intellectual panache.
Interestingly, an area less trodden are references to how other countries fared after they left the British Empire, excepting a few comments on freedoms aquired by America.
On another tac, British soil has been trodden by many, many foreigners. International residents have been able to earn a livelihood and feel at home in the country for centuries. Petty talk of invasion incites ill will and is at the same time highly disrespectful (one of my Great, Great Grandfathers was German).
Furthermore, contemplating the time before UK membership of the EEC in 1973 requires truths about what has changed in geopolitics, globalisation, manufacturing, services, social development and quality of life across the globe.
Where were India and China? What phases have the UK and other economies gone through? How did immigration look like? How easy was it to travel? The questions are unlimited and in my opinion support neither the argument to remain in the EU nor for Brexit.
My Truths
I am British, born in England. Living in Hampshire, Somerset, Cornwall, Norfolk, Scotland and London has brought with it experience of a few nuances of the varied British psyche.
Resident in Germany from late 1977 to 2008, I have spent more than half of my life outside of the UK. Viewing the topic with an open mind, I am pro EU but favour that construct only 60% to 40%. A weak result. That hasn’t been changed even through knowing and debating strongly with several dedicated EU parliamentarians.
My political and philosophical leaning is liberal. Watching years of left and right swings from a deeply socialist Germany was amusing to say the least. Travelling to over 60 countries and living for lengthier periods in several has increased my curiosity. I ask too many questions; many remain unanswered.
I was cited on German TV as being against the Euro because the political structure was incomplete. Pro Schengen, my naive expectation that necessary structures would be implemented has been shattered. And in my opinion, the Strassburg solution as just one example of waste.
Yet, travelling the EU with Euros in one’s pocket has become a dream of simplicity from Spain to Finland. I do believe though, the benefits of raising generations of European youth cannot be defined solely in monetary terms.
The Future In or Out
Whichever way the vote goes, the ambivalent attitude of much of the populace of the UK should be addressed. Especially when compared to the loud voice of many media channels.
In PR it is always necessary to ask who sent the message, who paid and who gains? For instance, aggressive and antagonistic reporting may attract likes or followers, sell newspapers and create passionate viewers. But who else profits? Will this attitude to EU cease, in or out? No.
Will lobbying continue and the blame for economic or business results be placed upon the EU? Yes. Will attitudes towards the EU improve? As future generations take over and the old traditionalists fade, yes. Even more so if the result is to remain a member state.
My Vote
The descision on June 23 is neither a purely rational nor emotional choice. Reflect upon where the EU has headed to date; balance the good and not yet good; attempt to fast forward another 40 years. Perhaps the EU’s task as a whole really has already been done. But, hand on heart, the UK belongs in the EU so I will vote to remain. And I believe it will.
Do not then lay the topic to rest nor quibble incessantly for yet more decades. Moreover, work enthusiastically, creatively and unremittingly from within to improve the democratic, bureaucratic, economic and social deficits inherent in the EU system. For a better future for our children.
I wish voters knowledge, wisdom and wellbeing.
