The outcome of the House of Commons elections makes Brexit a decided matter, which I deeply regret. It was a landslide victory for Boris Johnson, at least in regards to the number of representatives. However, if the votes of the pro-European or at least the undecided (Labour!) parties are added together, they would have a slight majority of 52%.
But the British electoral system prefers the big parties, and thus it was clear from the start that either the Tories or Labour would emerge victorious from the election – despite all the respectable achievements of SNP, Lib Dems, etc.
I cannot hide my growing irritation about people’s short-sightedness. On the other hand, I am glad that there is at least clarity now and that the political antics of the last three and a half years have finally come to an end.
I have received the following comments from a well-known British television “Anchorman”, a friend of mine for many years: He called the old and new prime minister a “proven bull-shitter and a chancer”, whereas Corbyn was bitter, humourless and reminded him of his old chemistry teacher. This television man went on to say that it had simply been a terrible choice – between plague and cholera, so to speak. His wallet now breathed a sigh of relief, while his conscience is ashamed.
He added – since he had entered a “British-European” mixed marriage decades ago – that his children had now applied for European citizenship, like a life jacket, so to speak.
Apparently, we understand the British as little as we do those who vote for AfD. After all the turmoil and loud calls for a second referendum on the island, it seemed clear to us that the vote for Brexit was only a time-related error. And that simply too few of the “right ones” went to the polls, for whatever reason.
This time, however, there were long queues at the polling stations, nobody slept through this election. The result shows that now even more Britons want the Brexit, despite all the predicted drawbacks and economic uncertainty. And it shows how deeply divided Britain is.
One can only hope that Brexit will at least result in the remaining Member States treating each other better in the future. The British criticism of Brussels’ regulatory frenzy is justified in parts. EU law must be recognised as such by everyone, not just as a proposal. This must become a matter of course especially in southern Europe.
But even if Great Britain now leaves the unloved EU with waving flags, it will continue to play an important role within NATO and the UN Security Council. London as a financial centre will be preserved and perhaps even capitalise on Brexit. The fact that Great Britain is geographically part of Europe is an immovable fact.
Switzerland is not a member of the EU either, but over the years the Union has developed a very practicable and close cooperation. We can only hope that the same will happen with Britain – in the interests of both sides. Revenge fouls have to be avoided.
One positive effect is that Europe can continue with several projects that Britain has not particularly supported, and in some cases has even openly obstructed.
We thus look ahead and adapt to the circumstances. We have no other choice. But: we keep close contact with all Britons – not only to the pro-European ones.