Five years ago, as the UK braced for Brexit and the dawn of a new decade, the unexpected arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the landscape. The Boris Johnson government, poised to demonstrate the benefits of a post-EU Britain, found its agenda hijacked by the global health crisis. This unforeseen event also provided fodder for those who opposed Brexit, allowing them to attribute a multitude of unrelated issues, from empty supermarket shelves to global inflation and economic stagnation, to the UK’s departure from the EU, conveniently overlooking the disruptive impact of global lockdowns on supply chains. While the UK’s economic growth did indeed stall, a promising spring recovery was ultimately stifled, not by Brexit, but by the subsequent Labour government’s policies. The author, initially a Remain voter in the 2016 referendum, expresses disillusionment not with the outcome of the vote, but with the persistent negativity and refusal to accept the democratic decision by many Remain supporters.
From the moment the referendum results were announced, a narrative began to form among Remainers, depicting the UK as an economic basket case spiraling into a vortex of racism and xenophobia, while simultaneously portraying the EU as a thriving, progressive entity sailing serenely into a brighter future, unburdened by the UK. This narrative, however, conveniently ignores the widespread struggles faced by many EU nations. The UK’s economic stagnation, social unrest, cost-of-living crisis, and strained NHS are mirrored across the Channel, shattering the illusion of a flourishing post-Brexit EU. Europe, much like the UK, finds itself mired in a cycle of sluggish growth, mounting debt, and stagnant productivity. These economic woes, exacerbated by uncontrolled migration, are fueling social tensions and straining public services across the continent.
The author challenges the perception of the EU as a bastion of political stability and social harmony, pointing to recent political turmoil in Germany, with the collapse of its government, and in France, with the dismissal of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier. While Barnier’s ouster might seem satisfying to some, his concerns about France’s unsustainable public spending and the looming threat of national bankruptcy were valid. Claims of rampant racism and xenophobia in post-Brexit Britain are also challenged. The author argues that the UK lacks a viable far-right party and that anti-immigrant rhetoric is far more prevalent in mainstream politics across Europe. The rise of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany, Europe’s largest and most powerful economy, further underscores the growing influence of right-wing populism within the EU.
The rosy image of a smoothly functioning, efficient Europe is further dismantled by examining the reality of its public services. Germany’s rail system, often touted as a model of efficiency, struggles with one in three long-distance trains experiencing delays. France’s lauded rail network also falls short of its reputation, with frequent delays and cancellations. Healthcare systems across the EU are similarly strained. Italy, overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, resorted to borrowing doctors from Cuba to address severe staff shortages. Even before the pandemic, the Netherlands faced such a shortage of pediatric hospital beds that it was forced to send sick children to Belgium for treatment. These examples highlight systemic issues within the EU’s public services, issues that are often overlooked by those who romanticize life on the continent.
The author contends that the idealized view of Europe held by many Remainers is largely based on superficial holiday experiences, focusing on pleasant dinners in picturesque settings while ignoring the underlying realities. The rise of fast food consumption in France, reaching levels comparable to the UK, exemplifies this disconnect. Even the claim that Brexit has made food unaffordable in the UK is debunked by UN data showing that Britain has the cheapest food in Europe. The author argues that these idealized perceptions of Europe prevent a clear-eyed assessment of the challenges facing the continent, challenges that are often mirrored in the UK.
Ultimately, the strongest argument for Brexit, according to the author, is the potential for the UK to break free from Europe’s low-growth trajectory and transform into a business-friendly “Singapore-on-Thames.” While the pandemic initially hindered this ambition, the opportunity remains. The short-term disruptions caused by Brexit, such as increased trade friction, were anticipated, while the long-term benefits were always envisioned as a gradual process. The author emphasizes that simply replicating the model of a European social democracy would negate the purpose of Brexit. To truly capitalize on the opportunities presented by leaving the EU, the UK must adopt a different approach, embracing innovation and pursuing policies that foster economic growth. Whether the current government possesses the vision and determination to seize this opportunity remains to be seen.
