Brexit — Moving Forward

On Friday we reached the conclusion to what has been likely the most discussed and participated political debate of most of our lifetimes. The result for many was a shock of seismic proportions , Bookmakers were offering as much as 10/1 on the day of the election if you wanted to take a punt that Brexit would become a reality.

There was not an overwhelming decision one way or another and which way the country should go however democracy shows that slightly more wish to leave than to stay. In the relatively short period that has passed since 51.9% voted to leave the EU there has been very little dissipation in discussion as to whether the country has made the right choice. The truth is we will likely not know the true effects of this outcome for months and maybe even years but why is there still so much resentment and clashes?

The truth is that this debate has highlighted some very major flaws in British politics, both sides of the campaign have let dubious statistics be repeated as if fact in order to back up their arguements. The success of democracy relies on the public being correctly informed and a good healthy debate taking place with real facts and outcomes being presented. Both sides are guilty, Remain has gave over zealous take on the financial impact of trade and inability to make new deals after leaving. Leave campaigners vastly exaggerated the net contribution the UK makes to the EU. Remember the £350m Farage was giving back to the NHS that was dismissed the following day?

The challenge that we as Brits face now is the divisiveness that this has caused post election, debate is good, but one of the unfortunate things is the arguements and conflict that this has caused. I have also found an all too common theme that immigrants are to blame for failings in this country , particularly NHS and the benefit system. We need to see the lies and fear that were focussed on the immigration conversation for what they were and not allow these chinese whispers to be repeated as fact and causing further cultural segmentation. Immigrants make an important contribution to this country and they should be welcome without prejudice as we would expect to be in their countries.

Those who state reasons for voting leave based on flawed facts on immigration numbers and contributions should not feel immune from challenge. Fortunately I believe this to be a minority.

Likewise it is not fair to label leave voters racist, we live in a democracy and I would like to think that the majority of people voted based upon proper research and without racial or prejudice reasoning. Those who voted remain do not have the right to be classist or prejudice either.

My hopes coming out of this election are that we take a closer look at some of the issues we face at home. We should be stricter on taxing large corporations and not allow the likes of Google to get away with 3% tax rates. We should also take a look at our own British citizens who claim benefits without ever attempting to work, afterall being British should give you no rights to support over and above an immigrant if you haven’t contributed.

Most of all though we need to look at why a general election doesn’t stoke up so much interest. Politicians need to focus on serving the people rather than their individual careers and we should also review an electoral system which produces an elected government that over 60% of the electorate voted against.

Hopefully in the coming weeks the resentment and abrasiveness will dissipate and we will all pull together coming out the other side stronger and closer as a multi-cultural nation where everybody feels welcome and is able to prosper.