Brexit – when the next generation of Europeans had their hopes and idealisms crushed

On the 24th June 2016, the United Kingdom woke to the news that the country was to leave the UK, after a 3.8% majority voted in favour of a British exit – a Brexit.

Brexit, as it was called, resulted in immediate financial uncertainty in the county. The value of the British Pound dropped to a level not seen since 1985, stock markets reacted badly, and European Leaders were quick to confirm that ‘out’ really did mean out. There was no turning back.

By far the biggest cause of majority vote to leave was caused by the concerns people had regarding immigration. Many, specifically the less well off or older generation, blamed migration for increasing pressure on hospitals, schools and GP surgeries. However, they seemed reluctant to accept that much of this pressure was being caused by the Conservative governments squeeze on public finances through imposed Austerity. People were so blinkered by the immigration debate that they failed to see the true picture of why people are so desperate to get to the UK. They stuck their heads in the sand as stories quietly emerged about 30,000 Iraqy people being left in refugee camps to eat rotting animal feed due to fighting between the UK backed Iraq army and ISIS. Out of sight, out of mind.

As the results were analysed it became clear that the EU Referendum was more than just a vote for the future of Great Britian – it was a vote of class war. The higher the level of education, the higher the EU support. Research by the Telegraph showed that university graduates were the most likely people to want to remain in the EU – while those with a GCSE or equivalent as their highest qualification were more likely to back Brexit.

A very sad time in the history of the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Scotland had overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU, but they only way that could now happen would be for another refurendum on Scotland’s independence from the UK. Whether Scotland will every get that vote is open for debate but it if does, it might be time to move there!