It was 1940. Winston Churchill addressed the House of Commons. It was a historical speech. It came to be known as ‘the finest hour speech’. Churchill spoke about the perils of Nazi Germany. Standing up and being counted, Churchill remarked, would be the finest hour of his nation.
History proved him right. Thanks to all heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice, Europe was spared. The once arch foes became colleagues. Together they rebuilt the Europe that we know today. Never before had this old continent, with all its struggles throughout the centuries, ever experienced such a stretch of prosperity, democratic credentials and stability.
The European Union cemented this stability and prosperity. Now, the United Kingdom has decided to walk away from this project. With a slim majority, it decided to pull the plug and end its roller-coaster love and hate relationship as a member within the European Community. Many are considering this as not being the finest hour of this great nation.
This was a democratic exercise. Vox popoli – the people has spoken. Consequently, such a decision needs to be respected, irrespective of one’s position.
The Brexit’s camp welcomed the result as the dawning of Britain’s ‘independence day’. On the other hand, the pro-European supporters were left baffled.
I tend to share the latter’s trepidations. The UK is likely nowto be less influential and more parochial, less forward looking and more inward looking, less united and more of a divided kingdom. The impact was instantaneous. The sterling lost ground while the rating agencies downgraded the country.
The political establishment is in tatters, social tension is palpable, investments are being pulled out and the union of the kingdom is in question. This instability will continue to worsen till the day when Britain activates article 50.
What led to this rethinking?
There were several variables that should be deeply studied. The EU also needs to undergo a serious soul-searching exercise.
It would be a mistake on its part to ignore the outcome. Without excluding or minimising any, I find one particular variable very worrying.
For many this outcome is the result of a clash between generations, mentalities, subcultures, lifestyles and socio-economic backgrounds. Two distinct facades of UK emerged.
This outcome is the result of a clash between generations, mentalities, subcultures, lifestyles and socio-economic backgrounds
According to Lord Ashcroft polls, 60 per cent of those of over 65 years and 57 per cent of those 55 to 64 years have clearly opted to leave whilst 73 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 and 62 per cent of 25 and 34 years old have voted to remain. This data is confirmed by other independent studies.
Other emerging facts highlight that voters residing in rural traditional areas voted to leave while those living in cosmopolitan surroundings have strongly voted to remain. Blue collar workers and their families opted to leave while the white collar workers, their families and university students have stalwartly voted to remain. This is not a superficial or a prejudiced assessment.
The result generated a very toxic resentful environment and a deeply divided nation. Young voters feel aggravated by the old generation and feel that they have been betrayed from their future.
A process of healing and rehabilitation is urgently needed if this country is to move forward.
The leave supporters were lured by populist campaigners who based their campaign on fear of ‘foreigners’ (ironically these are their own family doctors, teachers, plumbers etc), misinformation (redirection of funds from EU to NHS) and the nostalgia of the long defunct empire.
The leave campaigners successfully struck a chord with the voters’ prejudices and pandered to the little England mentality. In particular, the old generation is keen on traditions and has a great sense of nostalgia.
Although that time has long been consigned to the history books, for them it was worth turning back the tide. The slogan ‘give us back our country’ tapped into the subconsciousness of those who long for past grandeur.
Sadly, Donald Trump is exploiting the same rhetoric of ‘making America great again’. Populism is on the rise. Populism appeals to the emotions rather to logic. It massages the ego of voters and is the antithesis of ethical voting.
We had our own share of populist campaigning during the last election when all was promised to all, irrespective of the common good. Populism might bring votes but it is short-sighted and short-lived. It is rather telling that the protagonists of the referendum irresponsibly resigned leaving it up to others.
It is comforting to read that our Prime Minister has assured us that there it would be ‘suicidal’ if we attempt to do a Malexit. He also confirmed that his government is prepared for all eventualities, although we were not made aware of what this entails.
On its part, the Nationalist Party has offered its vast European experience to support the government in protecting our national interests.
Working together in securing our national interests will be our own finest hour.
Albert Buttigieg is a Nationalist Party candidate on the ninth and tenth districts and deputy mayor of St Julian’s.