Stepping backwards is not the British way
Travelling around the world, from the USA to North Korea (and many places in between!), I have often been singled out for my peculiar British accent or my reserved British manner, yet, in the East or the West, never in a negative way. Britain is viewed in many parts of the world as a strong country, a global leader and a hub of rich culture and fashion. And it’s certainly true that British people benefit from this. The stereotype of the well educated, fancy, polite, charming Brit is surprisingly well entrenched abroad. I have been called all of these things while considering myself none of them, but it’s still nice to hear.
The spread of the English language, a global love of football and even Britain’s military interests abroad mean that a huge amount of people all around the world grow up with at least a basic knowledge of the UK. In fact, for many, the British image is so central to a wider understanding of the world that the very first words they learn in English are ‘London is the capital of the United Kingdom’.
Britain built this image by being at the forefront of world affairs for centuries; by building a global empire and by achieving victory in two world wars; by overthrowing dictators from Napoleon to Hitler to Hussein; by spreading culture, from the Beatles to Beckham, from Queen to the Queen. For better of for worse, these are the events which have made Britain ‘Great’.
By comparison, today Britain has lost its tenacity. The country is no longer trying to forge itself a stronger position in the world order. Every day we risk weakening our standing, and every day our reputation, that was so hard won, is diminished. And to make things worse, the opportunity to become hugely influential is staring the country right in the face, ready to be seized.
‘What is this magical opportunity you speak of, dear author?’ Well, it’s the European Union.
Britain has been ‘umm’ing and ‘ahh’ing on the borders of Europe for decades and now, amidst a global financial crisis (global, not European) and a refugee influx, it has finally lost its nerve. A weak leadership has used the European Union for political point-scoring and scape-goating, constantly hesitating on a firm direction. This has all come to a final, disastrous head and voilà, we have our referendum in June. For Britain to take a step back is something that it has not done in centuries. Union is the future, it is the direction that every continent is taking and it is where power will lie in the years to come. The USA was the first to achieve such a union (and look at them now). Europe is on the way. Africa has its ‘African Union (AU)’ and Asia has ASEAN. Not all unions are political, many are economic or even culture based. But it is within these unions, these vast blocs of countries, that those who are willing can flourish and benefit. Germany is a prime example in the current European Union. The one country that has wholeheartedly supported the project is the one country that has emerged as arguably the most powerful in Europe. And this author would certainly like to see a change, to see the UK take on that role.
The UK cannot control Europe from outside of its borders. It cannot influence its decisions. It can only languish in isolation. Alone, the UK will not remain relevant enough, or large enough, to play with the superpowers of the future. But should the UK take a strong leadership role, should the UK give a firm, pro-EU political direction, we are more than capable of placing ourselves in the driving seat.
Imagine a Britain that does not fear Europe, constantly on guard. Imagine a Britain with an entire continent at its back.
