Brexit and the future of Europe .........

The broad history of Brexit in the UK is a history of incompetence, lies, prejudice and an underlying belief in the exceptionalism of the UK, relating to its role in both WW1 and WW2, an Empire which had been transformed into a Commonwealth and a belief in the continued significance of the ‘Anglosphere’.

 

There are two reservations to be shared here, one is the question often asked about Europe best expressed by the statesman Tony Benn, ‘who elected you and how can we get rid of you’ this was particularly directed at the European Commission. The second is a particular view expressed in a pamphlet which I reviewed in the early 80’s which demonstrated how the rebalancing of power in Europe following Maastrict ``I believe, would create a strong centre based on the Ruhr with the centrifugal influence of that meaning that the edges of the empire would be poorer.

 

My own position is very much as a remainer, I voted remain in the belief that the longer-term future relationship of the UK as a part of a United or even Federal Europe would ensure continued prosperity for the nation and the Europe Union’s apparent commitment to human rights being recognised and honoured, open borders and a common currency would eventually be extended to the UK as part of Europe.

 

Trading relationships would be honoured and the UK as a member of the wider union of European Peoples would be able to offer a significant leadership role whilst acting as a bridge between Europe and the Anglosphere.

 

The Leave Campaign was a dubious coalition of business leaders who saw financial opportunities in leaving together with a neo-liberal consensus led by disruptive influencers. 

 

The Leave Campaigns single, significant, achievement was to convince those who lived in the poorer regions of the United Kingdom that it was the influence of the European Community that had led to their disempowerment and poverty, despite the impact of structural funds from the European Union that benefitted infrastructure investment in the United kingdom.

 

So how do we find Shalom and Conviviality in the post European isolation that the United Kingdom has chosen. Additionally how do we defend our nation from drifting increasingly towards one party government with  a diminishing of Human Rights, a rejection of those seeking immigration and increases in child poverty, food banks and aid for international development.

 

There is no prophetic voice emerging from the Church about this existential crisis but if Shalom is a ‘state where things are balance out’ what kind of balancing is called for.

 

The theologian G.A.F Knight wrote that a psalmist would observe that Shalom could mean material security for a group living in community, whilst for Jeremiah it included the warmth and joy that one finds in true friendship.

 

When the British Prime Minister described our ‘Friends in Europe’ is this what he means? 

 

We are called to share the peace of God, and Shalom is both that peace and more. What is certain in my mind is that people and nations living together in harmony will increase and include a movement to a more convivial sharing of our continent than Brexit can ever hope to.

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