A word of comfort on Brexit

For all those unhappy Brits who voted against Brexit, take comfort. The EU has a chance to be much better without the UK. The UK has been a brake on the EU since its entry. I was afraid it would be when we were applying, and I fully understand President Charles de Gaule's determination to keep us out.

For those who approve of the EU, take heart: you can emigrate there and enjoy all the benefits. You speak English, so everybody there will understand you. It's all win. And if you decide not to force your neighbours to speak English, well, it's not so hard to learn a germanic or romance language. I've learnt four of them in my lifetime, and can still cope reasonably well in three of them, in one of them exceptionally well.

As for me, I didn't vote in the Brexit referendum since I live in Sweden. I was seduced by the ideal of the EU when I was younger, although seeing what it has metamorphosed into, I no longer am.  Had I been there, I would have voted for Brexit if only for the sake of the rest of Europe.

I only wish there would be more interest in Swexit!  And of course we have to keep Sweden out of NATO.

© James Wilde 2015