I recently attended two Brexit-inspired events. One, a round table discussion organised by Dutch think tank, the Clingendael Institute, the other a literary salon that used music and literature to explore the theme of British identity and its relationship to Europe. The first was informative if depressing, the second enjoyable and enlightening in a way that only the arts can be. I admit a certain bias here!
The tragi-comedy that is now Brexit continues to entertain. But underlying it all is a sense of genuine bafflement and growing impatience, even from those in the know. Former Lib Dem backbencher, Tim Oliver, spent much of the round table session smiling with a mixture of resignation and bafflement at the actions of the British parliament. While his German counter-part, Nicholai von Ondarza (German Institute for International and Security Affairs, SWP) was polite but firm in his assessment that attitudes among German politicians have hardened noticeably with regards to Brexit, in the last couple of months.
This has much to do with the looming European elections and the awkward position it creates for Britain’s role in these elections. Political editor of the Economist, John Peet, suggested that the ‘tricky’ legal requirement for Britain to hold EU elections might be ‘fudged’ somewhat. However, von Ondarza remained firm in his insistence that ‘fudging’ and vagaries do not generally sit well with the German temperament. Political parties in Britain are now preparing, albeit reluctantly, for the EU elections in May. Foundering talks between the Conservatives and Labour mean that May’s hope of a fourth vote on her Brexit deal is now unlikely. This means that an EU election in Britain is an ever greater reality.
Patience with continued British bumbling is limited.
For those hoping for a more sympathetic ear from France and Macron, think again. Georgina Wright, of the Institute for Government in London and expert on Franco British relations, was quick to point out that Macron has staked his leadership on his flagship plans for a more integrated, European super state. Clearly the European elections play a key role in such plans and therefore his patience with continued British bumbling is also limited.
Some from the remain camp are seeing the European elections as a ‘pre-referendum’ or a ‘preferendum’ as one Guardian columnist called it. It is hoped that pro EU parties will encourage voters to use the elections as a soft referendum. Thus a vote for a pro-European party, no matter which, will also be a vote of support for a British future that lies within the EU. In this spirit, Boris Johnson’s very own sister, Rachel Johnson, recently announced that she will be running as a candidate for pro-remain party, Change UK. Her reason: that the freedoms and opportunities of future generations, including those of her children, depend on Britain remaining in the EU.
The Republic of Ireland is caught between a rock and a hard place.
Invariably discussion turned to the Irish question. Specifically, Britain’s relationship with Northern Ireland and the apparently intractable backstop issue. May’s support from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Tim Oliver pointed out, does not represent Norther Irish sentiment as a whole. While the Republic of Ireland for its part, is caught between a rock and a hard place as it struggles to respond to the EU’s request for clarity on its position come B-day. Britain is its largest trading partner. And, what of Scotland? Calls for another Scottish independence vote, should Britain leave the UK, are being made by the Scottish National Party with increasing force. Although the Scots chose to remain in the United Kingdom in a 2014 referendum, they did not vote to leave the EU.
How did Britain, a stable, long established democracy, known for its sober reserve, get itself into such a conundrum? Some have blamed David Cameron’s misguided decision to hold a referendum for opening this Pandora’s box. However, as Dr. Oliver pointed out, in Britain, referendums have traditionally been used as party management tools, rather than barometers of public sentiment. So, while misguided, one cannot blame it all on Cameron’s decision. Oliver highlighted instead, the outdated nature of Britain’s winner-takes all political system, a remnant of her days as a world power and the party attitudes that come with such a system.
I would add to that a deeply ingrained/entrenched class system that continues to divide the country. Along with a reluctance by some to put the days of Empire behind them and accept Britain’s new role as one of the larger, more influential powers within the European Union. The glory days of the nation state are over, nowhere is this more obvious than in the project of the European Union. However, in an increasingly globalised world, there is much to be gained from such a system and even more to be lost if one chooses not to be part of it.
Humour is the best remedy in the face of tragedy.
And so to the wise words of the poets and the politicians of times past. An eclectic mix of the work of poets from Lord Byron to Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, and some strikingly sensible words from the Iron Lady herself, provided the audience with varied insights, often humorous, sometimes somber, into the delicate issue of national identity. Perhaps humour is the best remedy in the face of tragedy. The words of young Belgian poet, Elise Wouters, left a smile on our faces at the end of the evening and welcome respite from the now all too familiar Brexit blues.
Brexit Flirtation
Give me a hard Brexit,
I want a Brussels on its knees Brexit,
Keen on a fifty shades of please Brexit,
A lock me up, Boris, and throw away the keys Brexit.
They say tensions are mounting,
I’m up for the pound taking a pounding,
No longer Europe’s little tease Brexit,
Maybe we should see other nations,
Quite like the sound of some Atlantic flirtations,
Only need the odd Spanish vacation,
I’m ready for my next exotic squeeze Brexit.
I’ll tighten my borders, my own needs come first,
The fruits of your cheap labour no longer quench my thirst,
My article 50 lies spread-eagled on the table,
I swear, after this break-up, I’ll be strong and stable
I’ll subsidise with little white lies,
Rule Britannia with bedroom eyes,
I’ll have my cake and eat yours too,
As long as you know there’s no jumping this queue.
So darling, auf wiedersehen, gracias, merci,
Our free trade was first rate,
But I’m sure there’s plenty more fish in the sea.
But then, it’s 4am, I’m staring at old texts,
I’m missing your French kisses; I’m wondering what is next,
The only thing I know is that I can’t quite call it quits,
Hey Europe babe, miss you, let’s be friends with benefits.
Elise Wouters