'Brexit' - An internal perspective

The UK has voted in favour of leaving the EU. Well, this is what's being discussed in the UK this morning accompanied by both champagne and tears.

As an engineer, my conclusion would be that the result is very unclear; the UK is either unsure or divided.

I think the truth is that we are both. However, the vote has fallen on the side of "Leave".

Why?

Well there are many reasons. I strongly believe that the UK belongs within the European Union, but I hope I can help my international colleagues understand why UK citizens would vote "out".

Here are some reasons..

Hearts & Minds

The campaigns leading up to the vote have been characterised by fear. Both sides argued that "the world will end" if we voted the other way. A nationalist minority, headed by the UK Independence [political] Party ("UKIP"), managed to link EU membership with immigration in the minds of voters. This was a vote of the heart as much as (if not more than) the mind. In the end, this is more of an emotional result than a cognitive one.

Austerity & Inequality

There is a great deal of dissatisfaction in the UK. The government since 2010 has been implementing austerity policies which have served to exaggerate inequality which was already rising. Many people feel unhappy with the UK's direction but do not have a clear idea why. The referendum offers a big decision which is essentially a choice of keeping something as it is, or doing something different; a vote to leave is a vote for change.

Left Right Left Right

UK politics has recently swung towards the right. Whereas over the last century, the left side of politics has been seen to represent the "workers" and the right side the rich. The left have recently lost the trust and identification of lower income voters. Now there is a broad consensus with right-wing philosophy; the UK has subscribed to neo-liberalism; a faith in the free-market and a distrust of government. The EU has an important role in regulating business in the name of society, however UK society has broadly thrown itself at the feet of business, so suddenly the EU seems counterproductive.

The Voice of the Media

Some very popular newspapers have been pro-leave. These have used sensationalist headlines and images to reinforce misconceptions and fears around Europe. A great deal of information used to promote leaving has been inaccurate and misleading, while the remain campaign has largely limited itself to use well supported information. Despite most UK leaders being in favour of remaining in the EU, the media has had a louder voice than our leaders. 

The British Empire

Britain's history probably plays a part in this vote. When Brits look into their history for identity, they see the British Empire. Despite the fact that this is firmly in the past, with British imperial colonies now independent, and the industrial strength which powered the empire's formation now spent, for many it represents our identity. There is a feeling that Britain is naturally in charge. Despite the facts, there is a sense that Britain can "go it alone" and be a strong world leader if we are completely independent, just like the "good old days".

I was going to write a short section on "What Next?" But the truth is I don't know. We should treat this result with some regard, it tells us something important about the currents flowing under the UK surface.

In the meantime, please treat us kindly, I hope to post again soon.