I’m very conflicted about #peoplesvote. I see what they want and I see why they want it – but I don’t know that they should get it.
First thing to say is that I want a strong democratic EU. That’s my starting point, that’s my frame. But I’m also a Brit (and Polish, and a future Belgian, but unmistakably a Brit).
I think that Britain has an enormous amount to offer the EU and vice versa. But not Britain in its current state, and not Britain with its current politics.
The Britain of the Great Reform Act and Hobbes, Locke, Smith and Mill. The Britain of the NHS and the single market. They are huge contributors to European politics.
But today, and for the last decade or more, Britain has been semi-detached. Outside the euro, outside Schengen – both marginal decisions at the time, now hardened into dogma and a universal conviction that both the Euro and Schengen are doomed.
Do I think this Britain can come back and have things as they were? Not really. They would be a destabilising force just when Europe needs to get its act together on reforms.
And the reforms (if they are to work) need to put more democracy and openness at EU level, which means less big-state diplomatic shenanigans and more Parliament and #openpolicy – the U.K. would have opposed this in 2008, let alone now.
So do I want Britain back in the EU? Not if it’s going to have the same attitude, because if it is it will hinder reform not help it. A member state where even remain voters lecture their partners on the need to end Schengen (Y. Cooper)
the need to break the principle of free movement (T Blair) and the need for the U.K. to have special treatment vs the euro zone (D Cameron) – what good would they do that would outweigh the damage?
Add to that the impact of another referendum, which if Remain wins it will win by another narrow margin, and it looks even worse. The old awkward-squad U.K. will be like Luxembourg compared to angry, divided, resentful returner Britain.
And yet … I am British. And I want my country in a strong Europe, made stronger by its commitment to it. That feels like an impossible dream today. I would be delighted if #peoplesvote could deliver that. But given where British politics is, I don’t think it can.