Comments 28

Eine britische Tragödie in einem Akt

Jun 24, 2016 Chris Patten

OXFORD – Die Nacht nach dem Donnerstag war ein Sieg für diejenigen, die sich dafür eingesetzt haben, dass Großbritannien die Europäische Union verlässt und dem einundzwanzigsten Jahrhundert den Rücken kehrt. Dem letzten Punkt zumindest kann ich zustimmen. Wie Cicero schrieb: „Oh wie jämmerlich und unglücklich war dieser Tag.“

Die Entscheidung, die EU zu verlassen, wird das nationale Leben der Briten mindestens für die nächsten zehn Jahre entscheidend bestimmen. Über das genaue Ausmaß des – kurz- und langfristigen – wirtschaftlichen Schocks kann noch diskutiert werden, aber es ist kaum vorstellbar, dass Großbritannien nicht ärmer und weniger bedeutend in der Welt wird. Viele von jenen, die ermutigt wurden, für ihre angebliche „Unabhängigkeit“ zu stimmen, werden feststellen, dass sie keine Freiheit gewinnen, sondern vielmehr ihren Arbeitsplatz verlieren.

Wie also konnte das geschehen?

We hope you're enjoying Project Syndicate.

To continue reading, subscribe now.

Get unlimited access to PS premium content, including in-depth commentaries, book reviews, exclusive interviews, On Point, the Big Picture, the PS Archive, and our annual year-ahead magazine.

Already have an account or want to create one? Log in

new comment has been posted. new comments have been posted.

0 Comments on this paragraph, 57 in all 57 Comments on this article

ANTOINE GUGGENHEIM Jul 3, 2016

No social justice means end capitalism. Entrepreneurship is at the core of liberalism: it has nothing to win from high financiarization
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Mario Margiocco Jun 30, 2016

Uhm. Ray Small invites Giovanna Vinci to be concerned about italian banks and leave Britain to the British. Uhm. Not very polite. Brexit is a euro-british issue, so Giovanna has a full right to speak her mind. Italian banks are a huge problem, but no bigger than RBS was in 2008-2009. Besides, here we are talking Brexit, I gather. Jose Araujo too takes some issue against Giovanna when he says that in recent history (last 100 years, I suppose) England has always been on the right side and the English and Welsh (I would not say the all of Britain who does not see, evidently, eye-to-eye) know what they are doing, choosing brexit. So, Giovanna, why are you concerned, better think about your Mediterranean peninsula. Perhaps. Clearly, Chris Patten does not share this optimistic view about a supposed British proved superior ...instinct, that's the unmistakable message he gives with this article, so Jose should criticize him too, not only Giovanna.
Just to stay with History, I remind that past achievements are not a guarantee against present and future blunders. Even if the opposite is true: past blunders make future ones more likely.
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  thought so too, much beyond problems of a couple of banks
  (incidentally though, RBS still seems very vulnerable, it was one of the hardest hit shares on the Friday following the vote)
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Barry Rosenfeld Jun 29, 2016

Maybe the MPs will have enough backbone, in a free vote, to refuse to accept the referendum as binding. It might be better to lose their seats than what they put on them.
- Ray Small Jun 30, 2016
  
  Barry Rosenfield. And start the next civil war. Cromwell is marching in the Fens and Robespierre at the guillotine for Jean-Claude Juncker. Don't think of yourself. Think of your grandchildren. Smell the freedom.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Ray Small Jun 28, 2016

If the MP's want to cheat their voters, then they have broken the social contract with the people and will be surely punished at the next election. No one likes liar, cheats and thieves, not the under 25 y.o. and not even the Scots.
- Christopher williams Jul 1, 2016
  
  Dear Mr. Small,
  It seems you do not accept we live in a parliamentary democracy, i.e. one where Parliament, not Government, represents the interests of the constituents by voting into law any change to existing law that may be proposed by the government or even by a private member. Or, if they do not vote to do so, the proposal does not come into effect.
  The referendum needs a positive vote of the MPs if there is to be an application for Article 50. Will the Tory party do this soon - and will they make it an open vote? Given the split that has been evident in their party - and was enabled in the referendum campaign itself - one would think it would be an open vote, but at this stage, anything could happen.
  I do not try to prejudge the result of that vote; I believe we should move forward rapidly to have the vote, so either we inform the EU that the narrow margin (a two point swing needed, being the converse mathematical version of your 8% margin!) of the referendum has been confirmed or rejected by Parliament - and we either return to full membership or move forward with Article 50 immediately.
  If this transpires to go in your favor, let us get it done quickly - with all of the consequences it entails. The EU, in all its forms, has made it clear that we will not achieve restriction of movement and single market trading - and we are certain not to have the enormous wealth forecast to meet all of the exotic promises, but that is for the new government to explain.
  Or this whole mess is undone before too much harm is created, before too many companies lose faith in the UK.
  But whatever else it is, this is the democracy you have; not one you can cherry pick - any more than you can cherry pick the EU separation clauses. I am sorry if that comes as a shock to you.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Christopher williams Jun 28, 2016
  
  I would suggest the MPs, who were elected to represent their constituents and to work in their best interests, would be failing in their duty if they vote to accept the withdrawal from the EU (and the likely break-up of the UK) - that is the 490 out of 650 MPs who do not support the Brexit plan. Indeed, to accuse them of cheating etc is perhaps better applied to those who promised 350 million pounds per week to the NHS etc., and are backing off their claims within days of 'success' in the referendum.
  Whether it requires a vote of no confidence to disavow the current government's approach, or if an open vote is given to MPs to reject the referendum (based on the deception on which it was won), is a suitable question.
  Given the complete confusion in both main parties, and the danger to the UK as a whole, speed may be the first consideration; I hope Mr. Cameron can start to recover some of his reputation by opening up the facility for an open vote.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Gregory Johnsen Jun 27, 2016

It is a shame that the young who must live with this outcome were by accounts some of those who either did not vote at all or did not vote for BREXIT and they will be left to deal with the results in years to come.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Peter Schneider Jun 27, 2016

I must say that I feel deep admiration for the British people and I think I now better understand that the Magna Charta or the Glorious Revolution were not just historical "accidents" or events from the past without any significance for the present. I remember as well having read a Russian analysis some time ago that Great Britain was one of only two countries in Europe where it would not be possible to overthrow the political system because it was just too deeply rooted within the people. I often smiled mildly about the fact that there is no written constitution nor a supreme (i.e. constitutional) court in Britain - but now when I see how our constitutional court bowed down and sold our democratic constitution away I don't smile anymore. I recognize that in history they always showed up whenever their freedom was under attack by totalitarian forces whether from within or from abroad. I see their House of Commons with its debating culture (as embodied in Prime Minister's Questions) and I now better understand that open debate in parliament as well as in society is maybe their way of protecting their political system and their (unwritten) constitution. Historically, they defied any totalitarian threat - and which other country in Europe can claim the same?

In the end, I can only take their vote as an inspiration and as a sign of hope that democracy and the rule of law might some day be reinstalled in Europe.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
disappointed ECmanager Jun 27, 2016

Juncker’s role is specifically to ensure the communication of EU achievements. He is even the Commissioner responsible of DG Communications (1), a thousand plus body (2) with the mission “to inform the media and citizens of the activities of the European Commission and to communicate the objectives and goals of its policies and actions, as well as to inform the Commission of the evolution of opinion in the Member States.”

Brexit shows clearly the extent of the failure in communicating (achievements, advantages, what is good about EU) and informing about sentiments: even places in the UK that will lose the most have voted leave.(3)

Therefore, President Juncker has failed in his direct responsibility, his cabinet has not advised him adequately, and DG COMM has failed to advise him on the extent of the crisis. Not only Juncker and his cabinet have to resign: all of DG COMM’s senior management is equally responsible. The rest of the commission should also, in solidarity, take one for the team. There's a precedent, Santer commission, in 1998, under threat of a parliamentary vote of no confidence. Hopefully it won't come to that and they'll go responsibly.

This would send a good message of caring to the rest of Europe: "Brussels is not an ivory tower, quite the contrary, Brussels listens and takes responsibility, and is invested". Conversely, should the Commission avoid responsibility, soon other Member States will join the UK in the exodus. Juncker may have answered “no” to the question “is this the beginning of the end for the EU”, but he now has to put actions behind his words.

(1) http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/communication/index_en.htm
(2) http://ec.europa.eu/civil_service/docs/europa_sp2_bs_cat-sexe_x_dg_en.pdf
(3) Example: Cornwall issues plea to keep EU funding, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/brexit-cornwall-issues-plea-for-funding-protection-after-county-overwhelmingly-votes-in-favour-of-a7101311.html
- stephan Edwards Jun 29, 2016
  
  Did you say this with a straight face? the chance of any Eurocrat taking direct responsability for anything closely approximates zero.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
disappointed ECmanager Jun 27, 2016

Juncker’s role is specifically to ensure the communication of EU achievements. He is even the Commissioner responsible of DG Communications (1), a thousand plus body (2) with the mission “to inform the media and citizens of the activities of the European Commission and to communicate the objectives and goals of its policies and actions, as well as to inform the Commission of the evolution of opinion in the Member States.”

Brexit shows clearly the extent of the failure in communicating (achievements, advantages, what is good about EU) and informing about sentiments: even places in the UK that will lose the most have voted leave.(3)

Therefore, President Juncker has failed in his direct responsibility, his cabinet has not advised him adequately, and DG COMM has failed to advise him on the extent of the crisis. Not only Juncker and his cabinet have to resign: all of DG COMM’s senior management is equally responsible. The rest of the commission should also, in solidarity, take one for the team. There's a precedent, Santer commission, in 1998, under threat of a parliamentary vote of no confidence. Hopefully it won't come to that and they'll go responsibly.

This would send a good message of caring to the rest of Europe: "Brussels is not an ivory tower, quite the contrary, Brussels listens and takes responsibility, and is invested". Conversely, should the Commission avoid responsibility, soon other Member States will join the UK in the exodus. Juncker may have answered “no” to the question “is this the beginning of the end for the EU”, but he now has to put actions behind his words.

(1) http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/communication/index_en.htm
(2) http://ec.europa.eu/civil_service/docs/europa_sp2_bs_cat-sexe_x_dg_en.pdf
(3) Example: Cornwall issues plea to keep EU funding, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/brexit-cornwall-issues-plea-for-funding-protection-after-county-overwhelmingly-votes-in-favour-of-a7101311.html
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  In a few words, the EU needs a world-class, top of the range Marketing department :)
  I live in the UK and I hardly ever see anything in the press about successful pan-European projects, only the negatives and caricature get air space
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
pierre valentin Jun 27, 2016

A hard hitting article which sums it all. Sadly, our education system has failed us. It is infuriating to read all this nonsense about 'unelected' European politicians and the 'undemocratic' EU. Are 51% of British voters illiterate? It seems like it. Do people forget that come October, we are likely to be ruled by an unelected government? We cannot allow dinosaurs, the ignorant and the bigot to determine the future of the younger generation.
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  @Ray Small Obviously you have never worked in Brussels. Not all is rosy but what you describe is much too caricatural. British European civil servants in particular are appreciated and very professional.
  And as for us in France we need no referendum please! (no need to divide our country more than necessary, Mrs Le Pen is doing enough harm as it is); sorry but I find your vision of "the French" from another era.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Ray Small Jun 27, 2016
  
  Which EU centralizing, power-grabbing, unelected commissioner did you vote for, Pierre?
  The Leave Campaign had an 8% margin of victory that was substantiated as a fair and democratic WIN. It is not lack of education in the older generation we are full of commonsense, it was because we tricked in 1975, but this time we were ready for the British PM and EU propaganda and misinformation machine, sorry about that (Not really).
  FenchEx is coming to you. Your people are waking up to the corruption, misinformation and propaganda spouted by the EU and its paid for puppets. Quote from President Lincoln: "You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time."
  Please God tell me that not all the brave Frenchmen die at Verdun and those who are left are capon.
  Let the French people have their referendum for Freedom or Serfdom.
  I'd better close before the EU Thought Police come to get me with their 100,000 strong EU army controlled by unelected bureaucrats, but before I go: read this passage from George Orwell, 1984: “Now I will tell you the answer to my question. It is this. The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. What pure power means you will understand presently. We are different from the oligarchies of the past in that “we know what we are doing'..... How could Orwell know about the EU in 1948?
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Vanishing Leprechaun Jun 27, 2016

Welcome to the roll-call of EU officials, clerks and pundits!
Listen at them is very informative for us, the common people.
“...it is difficult to imagine any circumstances in which the United Kingdom does not become poorer and less significant in the world.”
So, you are afraid about the destiny of UK power in the world. Don't you find this a little nationalist?
And imagination is a gift. Not everyone was gifted by the same amount of imagination. Someone more, someone less. Bureaucrats – it is a well know fact – as no imagination at all, just for instance.
“First, a referendum reduces complexity to absurd simplicity”. Sorry, no. Any election reduces complexity to absurd simplicity. In the general elections, for instance, you choose only a Party amid others, but of course, you can in principle share thoughts partly with one, partly with another. But you can vote only one of them. What an absurd simplicity!
In this referendum, there was no way to say for instance that one would like to abandon EU not fully, but – supposedly – only at 30%, or 50%, or 70%. One cannot express this 30% of desire of remain, against 70% of exit. Or one cannot express his desire to be out of EU during even-numbered days, but in during odd-numbered days, with the exception for prime numbers – a very complex affair.
You haven't problem with referendum, for you the problem is democracy, and its lack of complexity. I think it's an aesthetic issue. You are right: simplicity is ugly and boring, complexity is beautiful and fascinating. How beautiful – for instance – this congestion of bifurcations the common men calls “chaos”!
Wait, and your aesthetic taste will be satisfied.
So Brexit will bring the seven plagues not only in Britain (please, at least once, don't be so nationalist! Think at least a little to the other countries), but everywhere in the world.
Mainly in your beloved EU – or to all that will be left.
The main plague will be actually this huge amount of EU clerks, officials, pundits … that will be fired and drove into unemployment. Hard to find for them an alternative job ...
I advice them to send me your curricula, I will try to help.
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  You seem tough on British people who work in Brussels - they are actually pretty fine (and respected) people and many are young and promising, so at least it will have been a good experience, that some may even monetize by helping UK international companies to sort out the mess in the 2-year "transition" period...
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
John Grant Jun 26, 2016

From your article I take you as a remain voter, it shows. I spend 90% of my time in Europe and run a business in Europe, a leave vote doesn't help me at all, however, I strongly believe in democracy and not in any form of oligarchy which is how I view the unelected leaders of the EU, and I am quite prepared to take a knock.
We have a prime Minister, soon to be ex, who had the opportunity to be remembered in the same context as Cromwell and Churchill; as someone who was prepared to put their country first, irrespective of the effect on them as individuals. Instead I believe he may well be remembered as the Prime Minister, who could have united our country, but instead turned his back and walked away in it's hour of need. Not the actions of man who stated how much he loved his country.
I believe the following outlines the true belief that was democratically voted for:
"True democracy does not work on the basis of repeated re-voting until the "right" result is achieved. There was a referendum. It took place on Thursday. Everyone had their chance to express their views by voting accordingly. Whether or not the final decision is one we support as individuals, the fair, reasonable and democratic response is to acknowledge the result as being what the majority voted for, and work as a united country to achieve the best possible outcome for this country and all its people - not to waste time moaning that the result is not the one some people wanted; not to waste energy on pointless in-fighting that distracts from what we need to focus on; and not to waste the opportunity to shape a new Britain that works for everyone. Brexit is not a vote to turn our backs on Europe or on Europeans; it is a vote to turn our backs on the political behemoth that the EU has become. We still want to have a strong relationship with our European comrades, we still want to trade actively with them; but we want to do so from within a political framework which is controlled by ourselves, not controlled remotely by those whose focus may not be on what is best for Britain."
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  I dont understnad this vision of the EU many peope have in the UK, as if there were no British people in the EU institutions (although now those are going to be unemployed, which nobody cares about).
  It is well known (but only in Brussels it seems) that British "Eurocrats" are among the best, work hard and have a strong influence on decisions, and like all other Europeans civil servants they are accountable to MEP that we all elect.
  Also only 15% of regulations affecting UK businesses acutally come from the EU; the problem may be mostly about limiting British law-makers' creativity.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  @Ray Small One cannot reduce the EU problems to a couple of Italian banks, like you wouldnt want to reduce the UK to the RBS issue (that one is not really out of trouble, is it? and what's next with Lloyds group if the real estate market goes in trouble...?).
  Both EU and UK have other bigger problems me-think
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Jose araujo Jun 27, 2016
  
  Great post, kudos
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Robert Higgo Jun 26, 2016

Manchester voted Remain. So did Trafford and Stockport.Once upon a time Manchester was an industrial city. Time to get out a bit more, Chris.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
j. von Hettlingen Jun 26, 2016

Chris Patten, as a former senior Tory politician, is saddened by the outcome of the referendum and sees it as "a tragedy in one act." But the trouble is that there were far too many actors on the stage, who vied for attention from the public, turning the campaigns into a huge circus. Like circus artists who seek to outdo each other by performing - sometimes - dangerous stunts, some campaigners delved into "a series of mendacious claims and promises." Dangerous stunts can go fatally wrong, so do disingenuous and deceptive political messages.
Patten is right about a referendum being controversial and can be abused by populists. Unfortunately the "Leave" campaign has misled Brexit supporters, whose disappointment will be palpable when they find out that they have been duped and enticed into the trap of their campaigners. It's not true that "there would be no economic price to pay for leaving, and no losses for all those sectors of its society that have benefited from Europe." For the moment they are still on cloud nine, indulging themselves in idealism, feeling proud that their voices have been heard, regaining the country that they used to know etc. But if better standard of life and job security fail to materialise, they will feel betrayed. However, some have-nots among "Leavers" resent the haves in London, and their "Out" votes aimed to take revenge on the political and financial elites. Some just want to see the breakup of the EU, taking back control from "un-elected" bureaucrats.
The fragmentation of Britain’s two main political parties is also to blame for the "disaster," allowing Eurosceptics to gain support among disaffected voters of all political stripes. This "anti-European sentiment has corroded the authority of Conservative leaders" forcing David Cameron to call for the referendum to appease his unruly Eurosceptics among Tories. Indeed he was weak and couldn't excercise party discipline. As party loyalty crumbles, the number of "committed Conservative supporters" also dwindles. What Patten deems "worse is what has happened in the Labour Party, whose traditional supporters provided the impetus behind the big “Leave” votes in many working-class areas." Many Labour "Bremainers" now blame Jeremy Corbyn for his lack of leadership and enthusiasm during their campagin. While Cameron has announced his resignation, Corbyn refuses to step down as party leader, despite wide spread discontent within the party.
Patten laments that there was in the past "hardly anyone has vigorously defended British membership in the EU. This created a vacuum, allowing delusion and deception to blot out the benefits of European cooperation." The focus on the bloc's flaws and imperfections has nurtured a troubled relationship, that many want to end. The "national interest" is to regain control, sovereignty and independence , leaving a sinking ship, instead of helping to repaire the leaks. Britain had come on board this ship in 1973, when its boat began to sink.
What agonises Patten is that "Donald Trump-style populism" - "America First" has reached Britain. The Eurosceptics adopt the same nativist slogan "Britain First" and harbour "hostility" and "populist bile," against the “establishment” and immigration. They refuse to listen to acclaimed economists' take on what would happen to a post-Brexit Britain, seeing Obama and other world leaders "as representatives of another world, with no relationship to the lives of ordinary British people." Eurosceptics capitalise on the "growing social inequity" between the working-class in the rural "old industrial England" and the financial elite in the metropolitan London, that benefits from free trade and globalisation, to thrive.
What lies ahead is also Patten's concern. Cameron will step down as prime minister and party leader. His "successor is a Brexit leader" - Patten doesn't spell out his name - "who has spent the last ten weeks spreading lies." But it is unclear whether Boris Johnson' dream would come true. There are calls for new elections, and there's no guarantee that Johnson would be the next prime minister, who would face multiple challenges, like a possible breakup of the UK, as Scotland and Northern Ireland have both voted to stay in the EU. Although Boris Johnson sees no rush to activate Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, EU leaders want to negotiate Britain's exit as soon as possible, hopping to put an end to this circus, that has "revived nationalist politics. Patten says the referendum campaign has laid bare that Britain is no longer a beacon of the "sort of values that have in the past earned us so many friends and admirers around the world." Winston Churchill had once said: “The trouble with committing political suicide is that you live to regret it.” But Patten says the older "Leavers" who want to turn Britain's clock back to the good old days, wouldn't be around to regret what they have done.
- Ray Small Jun 26, 2016
  
  No one has been more cunning and deceitful than the EU. We have been a vigorous, inventive, industrious and tenacious nation for hundreds of years and whatever dirty tricks the EU may use, we shall withstand them and the mean the EU becomes the more resolve will shine through from these island. We thrive on adversity, it will make us more inventive, even stronger. If the condition are too tough for the new British they are free to go as they were to come.
  We all know Rome was not built in day. If Korea can go from an extremely poor, rice farming people to an industrialist giant (for it size) in 35 years we can do it in less and we will have a very cheap pound to aid us.
  Beside, we won't be on our own for long, most of Scandinavia is more then peeved with the Brussels's dictatorship and poor old Greece cannot stand much more financial waterboarding from the IMF and the Troika. Italy is a basket case crying for a return to the lire. Do know that the top four Italian banks have 30% non-performing on the books and that is what they are admitting to. I wonder what the they have off book. Additionally, Mario stuffed the Italian central with bonds, which cannot e repaid, more than even you could image. Italy is a rotten apple ripe for falling off the EU tree. Germany the strong man. Deutscher Bank has derivatives on its books two and a half time greater then German GDP. The EU is destined to shatter under its own debt, we just shook the tree a little, but of course, we shan't have to pick up Italy's debt as we are on the outside, we shall leave that to our Teutonic cousins. :)
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Aragorn Ho Jun 26, 2016

My Dearest Lord Patten, I beg to differ, though I'm a Hong Konger that was still a primary school student when you arrived in 1992, and was a junior secondary school student when you left, whose knowledge of Europe is definitely less than one percent of yours.

To put it simple, yes, UK can no longer get a big mac set with same price, but you can get the burger from Burger King, coke from McDonald's, and chips from the Fish & Chips store around the corner. Just like one does not have to stay in the domitory in Oxford, but rent an apartment in the town and reach the university by bicycle. Outside the EU, we have Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Japan, and other alternatives.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Giovanna Vinci Jun 26, 2016

We in Europe are more interested to know how we can contain the forces which irresponsible inner political game in Britain unleashed.
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  @Ray Small One cannot reduce the EU problems to a couple of Italian banks, like you wouldnt want to reduce the UK to the RBS issue (that one is not really out of trouble, is it? and what's next with Lloyds group if the real estate market goes in trouble...?).
  Both EU and UK have other bigger problems me-think
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Ray Small Jun 27, 2016
  
  Giovanna, don't worry about Britain we know what we are doing. We were a long establish nation when Giuseppi Garibaldi was still drinking tea and eating biscuits in London. Concern yourself with the three largest banks in Italy with 30% non-preforming loans on their books; God only knows how many non-performing loans they have off book and derivatives – moma mima!. Then there are those bonds that nice Mr Draghi issued and stuff on to the balance sheet of Banca d'Italia. Lira here we come!
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Jose araujo Jun 27, 2016
  
  Giovanna, if you haven't noticed, they are the same forces that have been ruling Europe for the past decade. Fortunately this forces haven’t United under the same flag, but believe me much more things unit them than separate.
  
  England and its people have always been in the right side of recent history, no reason to believe otherwise this time.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Christopher williams Jun 26, 2016

The referendum has proven one thing; it is a flawed method of government. It would be awful to have this be the final judgment on the UK's future within the EU - and, as such, with the rest of the world. The redeeming feature of this travesty of political errors is perhaps in the rejection of the leadership of both major parties through a vote of no confidence in the house. With such an action - and the creation of a new Party of Unity to fight and win the required general election, the primary point would be to confirm the lack of action to withdraw from the EU.
The estimate, quoted by Matthew Parris in yesterday's excellent, but depressing, article in the Times, is 160 out of 650 MPs in favor of withdrawal from the EU. The remaining 490 need to act to reject any process which would apply an Article 50 application.
Why is a new party needed? There are sufficient loyalists to the discredited Corbyn wing of the Labour party to separate them from reality; Cameron and Osborne are responsible for this whole mess; there is no leadership of the Liberal party.
Is this a feasible response? Would the EU accept such a change of heart? As of today, we have Benn being freed by Corbyn, there is a popular demand for a new referendum (which is the wrong way to resolve this, but does indicate the right change of heart) - and the wholesale rejection within the Tory party of both the old leadership and the leading 'outers' means we have no other form of acceptable government.
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  @Ray Small Not clear here: UK may not be in the EU anymore but still part of Europe isn't it? It has not become the 7th continent?
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Ray Small Jun 30, 2016
  
  Christopher Williams. The remain camp was trounced at the polls with a bumper turn out of 72% besting remain by 8%. Accept the fact that the remain camp was thoroughly routed, eat your crow pie. The people have spoken (voted). Don't try to cheat us with an open vote shenanigans of MP's, if the MP's vote against the will of the majority of the people of Britain there is no democracy at Westminster - just like Brussels. We are British and we are now in it together. If you don't have the stomach to stand with your fellow countrymen and prefer Europe to Britain go there. I will help you pack and even drive you to the ferry. You and Lord Pattern are part of the problem not the solution you are so out of touch.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Ray Small Jun 27, 2016
  
  If the MP's want to cheat their voters, then they have broken the social contract with the people and will be surely punished at the next election. No one likes liar, cheats and thieves, not the under 25 y.o. and not even the Scots.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- stephan Edwards Jun 26, 2016
  
  Well that would hammer a stake and finish off democracy for good. What is the point when the "Elites" will just hold vote after vote until they get the result they want or figure out some other way to void the results.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
jagjeet sinha Jun 25, 2016

The intensity of the tragedy most acute for The Young - under 25 year olds - who voted 75 % to Remain.
Shattering the dreams of The Young in A Single Market of 500 million - was an equally bizarre percentage of The Elders (over 57 year olds).
The Young whose hopes rested on SIZE of their Markets, SIZE of their Civilization - because of egomaniacal divisiveness of hatred.
Hope lost to Hatred.
Sad.

Now, the Champions of Hate need to instil HOPE all over again - Boris Johnson Nigel Farage Michael Gove.
Show The Young the glimmer of Light that was Invisible to the rest.
The Elders will soon be gone, The Young have a lifetime ahead.
And if such Hope is hoax, then have the courage to admit before it is too late.
The havoc that is caused is out there for all to see.
SIZE MATTERS.
- jagjeet sinha Jul 8, 2016
  
  I indeed voted Remain but respect the democratic verdict - because it is the perseverance with democracy that discovers The Truth.
  And in the end, The Truth always wins.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  @Ray Small - what you say is concerning about us as educators if our youngs can't make an argument for important decisions like this :(
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Ray Small Jun 26, 2016
  
  To jagjeet sinha. If you don't like it you are free to leave, no-one will stop you. Don't worry about us we are a tenacious people in the face of adversity somehow we will manage without you and Chris Patten
  Change of subject: Most voters under 25 y.o. don't even know the basic of the EU dictatorship. Ask ten under twenty-fives where is Brussels, then ask them to stick a pin in it on a map and most could not. I asked my nephew, my daughter and they next door neighbour why they vote in? They could not answer, other than they were young that is not a real answer, doh! It's a good job wiser heads won over hotheads. All the fraud and corruption (30,000 lobbyists in Brussels influencing the Commissioners, what for?) in the EU, all the waste and lack of accounting, lost of freedom, open boarders to any criminal with a passport. The formation of a European army (what cost) – to fight who, you and me? So many laws a year parliament cannot read them all or overrule any of them. And the biggest fraud of all in 1975 I voted for a common market, the free movements of goods not a United States of Europe run by unelected officials whose hands are in the pockets of the big cartels make small and medium business suffer from over regulation. In 1975 Ted Heath lied to the British people about the common market; he knew full well it was all about political union but to whose benefit, the cartels not yours or mine? As Heath lied to us Cameron lied to you/us again but this time we ready for him.
  Your argument of big is better does not hold water. India is large and it's the bigger basket-case i have visited. I sincerely believe India would fair better broken up into four separate nations.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Paul Bolding Jun 25, 2016

Not O wretched but Oh wretched ... The vocative wouldn't make sense here. Boris would not have made that mistake but I would still rather have Lord Patten at the helm any day.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Steve Hurst Jun 25, 2016

Mr Patten, if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. I do not see you are part of the solution.

It is the continual widespread EU rejection of peoples concerns that led to this point. Please tell me the last time you strenuously argued for reform of the EU. Now we all have to live with the outcome

'... it doesn’t help that for years hardly anyone has vigorously defended British membership in the EU'

Indeed, please tell us the benefits
- M M Jun 25, 2016
  
  Steve, in June 2009, D. Cameron, decided to create an anti-federalist grouping in the European parliament and to break ranks with other mainstream centre-right parties in Europe. This breakaway may have left the Conservatives, and Britain of course, more isolated in Europe. So yes, you may be correct, it is the culmination of the Tories policies since 2009 in regards to the EU that may have led the UK to the current state of affairs.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Stephen Morris Jun 25, 2016

All over the world Elitists are in blind fury that the riff-raff, the hoi polloi, the "ignorant stinking scum" have dared - dared!! - to disobey their betters. But what we have here is the old morality tale of appeasement and resistance.

When a bully – or in this case a clique of elite bullies – threaten you with vile retribution unless you agree to surrender to their tyranny, then the only strategy for long term survival is to resist.

Resistance may well incur short run pain. It may incur a great deal of pain. But in the long run the alternative is always far worse.

The people of Britain have shown enormous courage. They will come through this. And both Britain (whether it remain united or as separately independent England and Scotland) and the rest of the world will eventually be better for it.
- Jérôme Pugnet Jul 1, 2016
  
  Well it's not like the 48+% who voted to stay are all part of the elite are they? And the whole "voting for sovereignity" argument has proved to be a facade, it was much more about voting exit with the hope (and illusion) that in-flows of EU migrants could be stopped. You're presenting the outcome as if it was a UK united against elites, that's a bit of a simplification. It's quite striking that 75% of the younger voters voted to stay for example
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Jose araujo Jun 27, 2016
  
  Very good post.
  
  Many times you don't have to know you are right, you just have to look at the other side and check who is there.
  
  Now more then ever I know England has made the right choice.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
John Brian Shannon Jun 25, 2016

Hi Chris,

Well, democracy is a messy bit of business, isn't it?

For people like myself who feel that 'The People' are always right (no matter the consequences) there's no mistake here.

If a simple majority is all it takes to join the European Union, then a simple majority is all that it should take to leave the EU. And that's exactly what's happened.

The only question that matters now, is WHY?

Why did the bottom two economic quintiles (and some others in the higher economic strata) choose Brexit, knowing full well that future hardships were likely?

We must remember that these are the same people who could've chosen to 'knuckle under' and follow Neville Chamberlain's appeasement policies. But they didn't.

'The People' of Great Britain knew in their hearts in the run-up to WWII, that their decision to stand up for what they believed in would involve incredible sacrifice, and that following the path of appeasement and of joining a Europe that they didn't completely agree with would have been infinitely easier!

So there should be no surprise at all.

Having to endure any additional suffering is almost irrelevant to those sturdy souls, for it isn't about that at all.

It's about obtaining the kind of country they want.

TEACHING OTHERS

Every day, we teach others how to treat us. At a personal level, how we interact with others shows them how to treat us.

Even the political relationships between nation-states are directed by human beings (not artificial intelligence bots) therefore:

As human nature is the foundation of all human relationships;

If we make people feel afraid, they will act defensively toward us.
If we solve their problems, we're teaching them to become dependent on us.
If we act as their genuine partner, we are teaching them to trust us.
If we act as a team-player, they will either become part of our team or we will become part of theirs -- either way, it works.

If we teach slightly over half of the UK population that their concerns aren't a priority for us right now, we're teaching them to withdraw from us.

In the end, we reap what we sow.

"However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results." -- Sir Winston S. Churchill

Which is exactly what UK voters looked at in the months leading up to the June 23rd referendum.

The June 23 referendum was a 'Report Card' on EU membership, by 'The People' of the United Kingdom. Nothing more, nothing less.

Had I been running the EU for the past 10 years, some 90% of Britons would've voted to join the EU.

I would've erred on the side of safety, on the side of making the best possible 'offer' to 'The People' of the UK and given equal consideration and acted according to the concerns of all economic quintiles.

But that's just me.

Thank you for publicly posting your excellent essays at ProSyn.

As always, very best regards, JBS
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Jean-Maurice Parnet Jun 24, 2016

Two quick conclusions having read 1/ Patten; 2/ the first 5 comments:
1/ Chris Patten has a very good sense of (British ?) humour, unless we witness here an early case of Alzheimer;
2/ I fully agree with 'Michael Public': same blindness on the part of our so-called French elites here in Paris ... and unfortuately I believe they have been cut off from real life for so long that they will never be able to see the light of truth again (note: I attended the same "grandes ecoles" and had the same 'brilliant and financially rewarding career' as the so-called elite but fortunately I came from a modest family background so I know - and can talk to - people in all walks of life. And that I doubt very much that the City of London banksters can do ...)
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
M M Jun 24, 2016

I agree with the majority of the arguments put by the author of this article, however the repercussions of his referendum and the way it was handled shall be felt for generations to come. I also fully agree with the lies argument. Two more arguments that were brought to my attention today. The first being the large number of cars on the London streets with English flags raised from their windows (and not even the union flags). Two, the celebrations on the streets, every single pub or restaurant was packed. The bitter rift in the UK has now widened and this is a much greater risk than the rift or split or divorce from the EU. It is not the populists vote that won today but rather the Nationalists (the racists) vote and that is much, much more serious. Good luck Britain.
- Steve Hurst Jun 25, 2016
  
  @M M
  The Junckers mob want the UK out asap to stop any similar developments elsewhere in the EU
  
  The EU has no right to insist on the UK serving article 50 notice, its just more undemocratic instruction
  
  It is okay for Scots to wave Saltires and the Welsh the Red Dragon but the English must not wave the St George?
  
  The problem for MPs now is re-election if they oppose local leave sentiment
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- M M Jun 24, 2016
  
  Michael, this is a very serious matter. If the UK breaks up, the world stability is at risk and the split from the EU will look like a honeymoon if compared to the split of the UK. The relationship of the UK with the other commonwealth countries shall be at risk as well. This could very well become a new world order! I wonder why the vibes coming out of Brussels today are for the UK to proceed quickly in invoking art.50 of the Lisbon treaty and in proceeding quickly with the split from the EU. Something does not look right. The UK parliament should annul the result of the referendum and the new British PM must be forceful enough to bring Merkel & Co to their senses and to keep the UK together. It is a shame that the establishment (political and financial) are still so detached from reality.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Michael Public Jun 24, 2016
  
  In every country of the world the lower half economically speaking is more openly racist, more inclined to be gullible and act out of resentment. But what has happened here is as a result of the top half failing to lead ethically. They left the other half too far behind. When housing became too expensive they propped the market up because it was good for the banks. The man who can't afford to rent was simply ignored. So viewed in a wholistic way the lower half may have pulled the trigger but the upper half caused the exit through failing to treat their fellow countrymen as brothers in the fraternal sense.
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Max Isert Jun 24, 2016

''The refugee crisis—which peaked last summer, but is ongoing—was a tremendous opportunity for the EU. It could have become Fortress Europa. Brussels could have defined what Europe really is—defined Us and Them—and gained a great deal of popular legitimacy in the process. In other words, Brussels could have followed the lead of Viktor Orban, as opposed to going along with the altruistically insane Angela Merkel.

Last summer could have been the EU’s moment. Instead, it might go down as the beginning of its end.'' - R.B. Spencer
- Jose araujo Jun 27, 2016
  
  I hope Englad just voted to get away from the Merkels and even worst from the Orbans...
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
- Max Isert Jun 25, 2016
  
  This is what I commented back in February 2016 on the following Project Syndicate piece by Richard Haass: https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/brexit-problems-for-america-europe-by-richard-n--haass-2016-02
  
  I don't blame Mr. Haass in this. He has been a very reasonable and realistic commentator on these issues, compared to many other so-called ''Gutmenschen'' (do-gooders).
  
  ''The road to hell is paved with good intentions''
  
  ''Max Isert FEB 15, 2016
  A more dominant Germany due to BREXIT would actually unite continental Europe in my estimation, and make that EU more coherent and powerful, but that ''old/new'' Europe would also turn away from the UK and the US, and towards Russia, China, Iran, etc., which would not be an ideal outcome either.
  Time will tell.
  Merkel's decision to let the immigrants/refugees flood into Europe was one of the worst decisions ever made in my opinion, and has made a BREXIT exponentially more likely. Merkel and her globalist/free trade/open borders supporters/enablers, unfortunately many of whom are Project Syndicate contributors, are the culprits and to blame for this disastrous situation we currently find ourselves in.
  They displayed absolute hubris and incompetence.
  A true disgrace, which makes me very angry and even more so sad. A united Europe by the way of the EU was a fantastic idea, and these people in their arrogance and ignorance single-highhandedly ruined it within the short span of a few months. I tried to warn and warn these ''Elites'' here on Project Syndicate through my comments in the months and years prior, but they would not listen...''
  A new reply to this comment has been posted.
A new reply to this comment has been posted.
Michael Public Jun 24, 2016

U mad bro? As part of the metropolitan elite you no doubt are. But for too long your ignored your countrymen. Now that they have tipped over the apple cart in anger you still don't get it. They didn't do it because they honestly believed it will work out for the best but because they want you to feel what they been feeling? Pain. Countries cannot move forward if the metropolitan elite only move forward. Everyone has to move forward together otherwise the country turns on itself. Next up: USA
A new reply to this comment has been posted.

http://prosyn.org/zgNIdpF/de;

Eine britische Tragödie in einem Akt

To continue reading, subscribe now.

New Comment

Email this piece to a friend

Contact us

Europe’s Power Deficit

The Looming Taiwan Crisis

What Next for Venezuela?

Taking Vaccines the Last Mile

The Road From Thatcherism

A Very Greek Brexit?

Science and Subterfuge in Economics

What Will Succeed GDP?

Cookies and Privacy

Log in/Register