Why this site? Like many people, I was shocked, saddened and angered not only by the result of the June 23 referendum, but by the underhand tactics and lies of the leave campaigns. Having wallowed in that anger for a while, I have decided to do something more constructive: fight this idiocy, until we remain or regain our rightful place in the European and what is essentially the enlightenment project. I have no funds as yet for this site, but hey, who knows? I have started regular comment, but am seeking testimonials from Britons and other European citizens, and small businesses (I run one too), on what this means for them (and not forgetting that we are European, but living in a much bigger world still, in a country of many peoples, in a rich cultural melting pot). Bearing in mind we need frivolity on top of seriousness, I also want to cover food, drink, culture, gardening, (thousands of blue and yellow themed gardens could do wonders for morale). My manifesto, such as it is, is what I wrote on June 24. See below.
This is what I wrote on the 24th of June 2016.
Today, what it means to be British has been irredeemably diminished. The nation of the enlightenment, of social progress, of culture and scientific and economic advancement has turned its back on its neighbours, and on its own values. It has become a nation of quitters, of the afraid, and surely has heralded its own break-up, as Scotland will now seek and gain independence. What is it to be British now? Any high falutin' ideals about decency, liberalism and tolerance are now dead. Being British now means small-minded, petty, spiteful and afraid. I have always been British, and European, but a vote based on a campaign of fear, lies and manipulation has scapegoated immigrants and the European Union for problems caused by our own governments, supported by a venal media and an internal power grab within the Tory party. It is an affront to so-called British values of tolerance, liberalism and decency.
Surely now Parliament should call for a vote of no confidence and a new General Election, with the leavers forced to stand for parliament on a manifesto explaining how they will negotiate an exit from the EU, and keep their promises on spending, in the face of economic chaos. I doubt this will happen. The fear then is that a recession will lead to those migrants already here being targeted and blamed more than they are already.
For me, I remain European at heart, and will now seek to find out if I qualify for an Italian passport under the grandfather rule.
The approach to the referendum has already affected my existing business as clients in the EU were waiting to see - I am now cancelling plans for another business venture. Should these restart, they will be based in the EU, not the UK, but I suspect many small players are in similarly vulnerable situations.
I do not believe that calls for unity serve any purpose right now. Labour failed to back the remain campaign with vim and vigour, the Tories used the vote to fight their civil wars, and have handed victory to a campaign backed by some nasty ideologues on the right. This is not the country I believed in.
