Brexit – who cares?

Is it me?

This morning’s headline in the online summary of the news from The Guardian:

“Let Tories lead effort to block “no deal” Brexit, backbenchers warn Labour”

What I’m asking myself is whether anybody is likely to be investigating that story further on a Monday morning when we are bracing ourselves for another week at work, with stormy weather looming?

I’m perfectly prepared to accept the condemnation that I am not a mainstream voter – that the “ordinary person” (as politicians love to describe us) is, in fact, gripped by the Brexit negotiations and can’t wait for next week’s existing episode.

Or, perhaps, am I mainstream in wishing that somebody would have the courage to admit that the emperor’s new clothes are a figment of political imagination, that Brexit is the biggest economic own-goal in modern history and that, if a second referendum were called, the swing to “stay” would be huge?

As I travel, I realise that Dublin is buzzing over Brexit, so is Edinburgh, so Luxembourg and, no doubt, just about every other European capital, in anticipation of business growth as the British financial services industry and silicon roundabout begin to disintegrate.

The British civil service is mired in legislative paperwork that will do nothing other than replace that which already exists and could take up to 9 years to complete.

Ironic that we applauded the marvellous movie “Dunkirk” as a cinematic triumph and a celebration of the last time we voluntarily left Europe.

Here we are, over 75 years later, doing more damage to ourselves that an invading army could have hoped for.

I really am interested to know – are my fellow Brits following every move in the Brexit negotiations with interest? Are we collectively still glad that we voted to leave? Do we believe that a future outside of the EU will be rosy? Am I the odd one out?

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Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 20 years. As a writer, his blog enjoys a strong following and he is a regular contributor to the dental press. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries. In 2014 he appeared as a “castaway” in the first season of the popular reality TV show “The Island with Bear Grylls”. His main professional focus is as Coach Barrow, providing coaching and mentorship to independent dentistry.

One thought on “Brexit – who cares?”

  1. Hi Chris,

    There are many, many of us still bemused by this extraordinary retrograde act which will likely set us back years. The scariest thing for me is that the majority of those in parliament likely agree – but are too damn scared to say anything for fear of upsetting their leaders or the “democratic” apple-cart. So we continue to meander rudder-less and seemingly without plans towards the cliff-edge.

    We can only hope that, as the consequences become ever-increasingly obvious, even those who believed the “£350m for the NHS” lie will actually start to give a damn and wonder what they did. Will the families we met on holiday bemoaning the exchange rate (but still voted Brexit) start to care, or will apathy still reign? Even if I’m wrong with the economics (and I really hope I am), there are broader cultural issues too. Do those who think we won’t be seen (and treated) as “little England” really believe that?

    A colossal cluster-fudge if ever there was one. It almost seems farcical now.

    Dave

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