Know Thy History
The year was 1973, and what a time to be alive it was, let me tell you. President Nixon was killing the game, for the time being, the first handheld cell phone call was made in New York City, and the American Psychiatric Association removed ‘homosexuality’ from their disease list, how progressive? Across the pond, the United Kingdom joined an international political and economic network known then as the European Economic Community, later referred to as the European Union (EU). At the time, Britain’s economy was in the tubes, with its per capita GDP in steady declination from 1945 to 1972. World War II, like any war, was costly in terms of casualties and resources, with the latter directly influencing the economy of any party involved in the war.
Over 28 countries, including Britain, joined the EU in an effort to promote economic growth and trade for the region with the ultimate goal of preventing any form of nationalism given the horrific events that occurred during World War II. The European Union’s members enjoyed free travel and trade between all participating countries, as well as a uniform currency — the Euro—, its own central bank, and its own form of government whose laws supersede legislation put forth by individual countries. All members of the EU have enjoyed years of collaboration and teamwork since the 70’s but, as of 2016, Britain decided the membership dues just weren’t worth it anymore.
So What’s Up?
On June 23, 2016, the Brexit (“British Exit”) referendum was released to UK citizens to gauge their support on how they felt about parting ways with the European Union. Much to the chagrin of the UK Government, the referendum’s results indicated a 52% majority in favor of leaving the EU. For clarification, the referendum was not definite, but more of a testing of the waters in terms of how UK residents feel their country should act in the geopolitical arena.
Those in favor of leaving believe that the country will save $350 million British Pounds per week, according to several sources, as well as have increased border regulation. Previously, individuals living in countries belonging to the EU were entitled to essentially roam freely between countries as if the EU were one sovereign nation. Many UK political analysts have stressed that this presents a serious threat to national security and Brexit would create a framework for the UK to protect its borders from foreign invaders.
Those against leaving are concerned that millions of jobs connected to trade between EU-member countries will cease to exist if Brexit takes place. Additionally, the EU was established to create a single market of trade between countries, resulting in no tariffs on imports and exports between member states. Should Britain choose to leave the EU, they would then be faced with new costs for importing/exporting products to other countries around the world, including states in their own backyard.
Fast forward to present time and the Brexit deal is on the precipice of being finalized. British PM Theresa May has been pulling out all the stops to get something signed by the end of the month. With media outlets in the UK referring to May as the captain of a sinking ship or a person running out of time in this “divorce battle,” PM Theresa May is doing everything in her power to get Brexit approved by British Parliament.
“The important thing is that there’s two checks on this deal – there’s cabinet and there’s parliament. And so cabinet’s job is to put something to parliament that is going to deliver on the referendum result. We need to work together as a cabinet to do that. And I’m going to be supporting the prime minister to get a good deal for this country.”
–Penny Mordaunt, International Development Secretary, British Parliament
A Brexit summit is scheduled for the end of this month, but considering the amount of work left to do on PM Theresa May’s part, many believe the meeting will not take place. Only time will tell as to whether Brexit will actually happen, but there is unilateral support that it is high time for the country to seek brighter pastures.
