In 2016, the British people voted in a referendum, the outcome was that they were to leave the European Union. This move was dubbed Brexit by the media and politicians alike.
I personally don’t like the idea of it, if we want to leave, get it over with. If, as I assume, the British people don’t want to leave the European Union, put it back to the people. Brexit or remain? The people need to decide, not politicians in Brussels and the House of Commons.
Why do I dislike Brexit?
I hinted to this earlier last week, I wrote the following in last week’s article:
“Am I the only Brit sick-and-tired of hearing the word ‘Brexit’? I get up, Brexit. I go to bed, Brexit. I go to Europe, Brexit. The word is driving me insane! Whilst I personally don’t agree with Brexit. It’s the job of the Government to follow what the people want. Either give us a free and fair election to see if we still want Brexit. Or, shut up, and let’s get going!”
I have been wrestling with doing a piece like this for around a month, but I decided to do it.
What has happened since the 2016 vote?
Two prime ministers have up-and-left their jobs- first David Cameron, then Theresa May. Many members of the cabinet have also resigned, most prominently- Dominic Raab.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, many companies have been to push up prices. This means that the average Brexit supporter is paying more for the same service.
Jobs have left the UK, contrary to what Boris Johnson said, jobs have actually left the UK. Many companies have chosen to relocate from London to other European capitals- mainly Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam. Just to name a few companies who have done so- Airbus, Aviva, Goldman Sachs and Jaguar Land Rover.
The UK has seen a stockpiling of goods, the uncertainty has caused many to become hoarders. Many people have been advised to stock up on non-perishable foods and medicine- both food and medicine will be scarce in the event of Brexit.
People have imported less, a lack of knowledge what will be accessible after Brexit has caused businesses to stop importing from overseas. I liken this to mercantilism of the early 16th-18th centuries.
Per capita spending has decreased. Many people are gearing up for a recession- something I have pointed out in the past. Per capita, spending in the UK has declined dramatically- by 40% according to some sources!
Investment in the UK economy has stopped, for many years, Britain had investments from other countries. Chinese, American and Canadian investors loved the stability of the British political system. But with Brexit, no one wants to invest in Britain- it’s simply too risky.
But what do we do with avid Brexiteers?
Avid Brexiteers will say that despite this, in 10 years, the UK will be richer for this. Many economist speculate this is completely false. And even those economists who agree have stated that Britain will go through some rather rough times before things even remotely begin to look better.
Despite this, Brexiteers will argue the economic benefit of leaving the EU. No longer will Britain have to pay £350 million per week to stay in the EU. Even though, the £350 million figure was proven to be false.
Yet, Brexiteers will still argue it’s worth it, they’ll point out the fact that Britain will be able to govern itself once again. When the results of the referendum came in, Nigel Farage claimed that 23rd June should be Britain’s Independence Day. Which is rather hilarious- normally it’s other countries that are getting independence from Britain…
In fact this too is false, it’s likely that any deal that doesn’t want to economically cripple Britain will have to accommodate some of Europe. For instance, in exchange for access to the single market, Britain will have to pay for the privilege.
Conclusion
Personally, and with the help of this evidence, it’s evident that it isn’t worth it. I understand that it would be political suicide to give the vote back to the people.
It would also be suicide to go back to Europe and pull out of it. No longer would any of the European nations trust the UK. They would likely ostracise the UK from policy negotiations, or make them give up the respected pound in favour of the euro.