In light of this morning’s decision for the UK to leave the EU, we thought it somehow inappropriate to be posting about summer skincare, and not offer our community the opportunity to discuss our immediate and more long-term future.
The Rock My Ltd’s team Whats App group has been ablaze from the early hours expressing our concern over the uncertainty of what’s to come, we all voted to remain – I’m not here to try and preach to you all that is the “right” decision, but I believe it’s relevant and important that we’re honest as to the fact the result is not what we personally wished for.
In terms of how ages voted a poll from YouGov has released the following:
18-24: 75% remain
25 -49: 56% remain
50- 64: 44% remain
65+ : 39% remain
As I write we know that the immediate consequences are that Cameron has resigned, share prices have crashed by percentages higher than the recession in 2008 (Bank Of Scotland have reduced by over 34%) and the pound against the dollar is the lowest it’s been for three decades. It’s understandable that our immediate reaction is to feel concern and apprehension. As some of you may already be aware, James and I are in the midst of purchasing our forever family home, we have no idea what will happen – there is so much speculation with regards house prices reducing considerably.
We live in a democracy, we have the right to vote and the majority voted out – as citizens of the UK we are given the opportunity to have our say in laws that affect our day to day lives, and that can only be a positive. Our intention is not to open up the floodgates on how the outcome to leave the EU is “wrong” – or indeed right. We hope to promote healthy debate and very much value your thoughts and contributions in the comments section below.
Will we recover in due course? Or will it take years? How will this affect our generation? How do you feel it will affect you personally in the short-term? And the longer-term?
I don’t want to get in an argument about the result, but here is how I’ve already been affected:
I’m going to USA next month, a trip I have spent almost a year saving up for. We hadn’t yet bought our currency but I now wish we had, as unless the £ recovers significantly in the next few weeks I will have less spending money despite working really hard and working overtime to save it up. Yes I know this is incredibly selfish and a short term concern but it matters to me.
Secondly we’ve just remortgaged, and are borrowing a very large sum from Barclays. Their shares dropped by 35% when the markets opened this morning. Chances are this will not cause us any problems but it is concerning. Will the value of our house drop and we stand to lose thousands?
My dad is a business owner and relies on buying his stock from Sweden. If this becomes more difficult for him it may be impossible for him to make any money, as his margins will not allow him to pass additional costs on to his customers.
On a political level, I’m concerned about what this means for the leadership of our country. The prospect of being governed by far right conservatism frightens me. There have been suggestions that an early general election may be called, in order to give the newly formed government the chance at winning a larger majority. I feel there isn’t currently a credible opposition and other parties are in disarray.
Just a few of the things that are on my mind right now…
Hi Kitty, it’s not selfish at all – we can only contribute how it effects us/our loved one directly at this point. We are yet to hear about our mortgage being granted, I have no idea what will happen with it now.
Hi Kitty, thanks for sharing your view. It’s not selfish at all – these are the thoughts I think are going through all of our minds right now. Like your dad, my dad has a small business that relies on imports from Japan and Austria. In the short term he’s facing much higher prices for the bits he needs to buy weekly from Japan because the exchange rates have gone crazy, and longer term who knows if he’ll be able to continue trading with the EU. He’s worked so hard to build up his own little thing and it breaks my heart to think that it might all be ruined by this mess. I’ve always just taken for granted that my parents (and their generation generally) are secure financially, so for it to change overnight like this I feel so unprepared to help them. And also – extremely extremely selfishly – I worry that they won’t be able to help me if I get in a fix anymore either! That all said – I am definitely overtired and overemotional this morning, so perhaps once I’ve had a G+T this evening and a big sleep tonight, tomorrow things won’t seem so glum. Thanks for the thoughtful and open post RMS, so refreshing to come across a non-preachy view on social media. x
Firstly, RMS you’re awesome for putting this up. It is an issue that could be easily avoided to instead discuss summer skincare as planned for fear of not getting involved in politics. But you’re right, this is something that will affect us all and a healthy and informed discussion is a positive thing.
The leave camp has won based on a campaign which focused on the fears of part of the UK population, mainly immigration, NHS services, education and available school places and welfare spending being incorrectly allocated. What it didn’t accurately portray was the economic turmoil a leave vote would bring about. None of the above subjects are irrelevant and indeed they should be given attention, proper discussion and resolution. But unfortunately these are issues against our current UK government, NOT the UK’s membership to the EU. Through leaving the EU and the disastrous economic impact this decision has, none of the above issues will be addressed properly, in fact NHS, education and welfare services are likely to all be stretched even more as the country goes into the second recession in 8 years and any ‘saving’ made from not paying in to the EU will be swallowed up by the huge deficit we will find ourselves in, having just started to crawl out. So many industries we value, farming for example, will suffer irreparably once EU support and subsidies are withdrawn over the next few years.
I think it could be very easy to blame those who voted ‘leave’. That isn’t right because everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their own vote. The real blame, and I say this as someone who voted to elect the Conservative Party in the last two elections and as a support of Cameron, was to put such a politically and economically important decision to a referendum to a largely apathetic and politically uneducated population.
The immediate effects on the value of the sterling (currently at the lowest since 1985) and £100 billion having been wiped off FTSE 100 in the first 15 mins of trading, not to mention Moody’s putting the UK under observation and at risk in regards to credit (yesterday we had a triple A credit rating score), leave me personally feeling very alarmed and unsettled. The above combined with Cameron’s resignation and Scotland’s insistence on another independence referendum – which after the success of the SNP in the last election is sure to vote for independence – makes the UK an unattractive and unstable country to deal with right now, and who can blame any allies and partners for thinking that? Hopefully this will be a kneejerk reaction and our best course of action is to not do anything differently but leave it in the hands of the experts at the Bank of England (the Governor of which has said this morning they have stress tested against this result) to keep our economy in a stable place. It does seem inevitable though that we are in for 4-8 years of uncertainty and financial instability and our generation and our children’s generation will be the ones to suffer the most.
I work for a political analysis company and we will publish a piece on the effects of the Brexit result later today which I can share on here if people are interested.
I’m really interested, and thank you for your post! Agree wholeheartedly that RMS did the right thing to bring about the discussion. This is for sure a pivotal moment in history.
Milly we would be very interested for you to share – really appreciated thanks. I’m really trying to look for the positives as we can’t change the result, but I’m having real difficulties with finding any, especially short-term.
No problem, I will post the link to the coverage once it is published (about 1.30pm).
Charlotte – it is hard to find positives at the moment. However one positive I am hoping will come out of this is to show the American voting population that apathy and an assumption that the ‘right thing will prevail’ are the wrong attitudes (and unfortunately ones adopted by so many of the UK population) and they MUST vote against Trump in the November Presidential elections. If there is something worse than Brexit for the global economy, it would be Brexit + Trump.
Absolutely Milly, that would definitely be a positive to come out of this situation x
Milly I’d be very keen to see the report too.
Kitty/Charlotte – we cant help but worry about our families and loved ones. We’ll find positives, like maybe how something like this brings out the good in so many people and brings us together.
Grasping at straws, maybe, but we know that whatever we face, we wont face it alone xx
I agree wholeheartedly with so many of your comments Milly. As a Scottish person (who voted to stay in the UK) I am especially worried about the likelihood of a second “independence” referendum as I think SNP would get the results they want this time around.
The statistics above showing the age split is beyond frustrating. I feel as though the older generation have possibly caused irreparable damage to our economy and it is our generation that will suffer the greatest consequences (On a personal level, I was also just about to put my property on the market but think that will have to wait for some time now…).
Thanks RMS team for posting this, on a day that many of us feel a bit lost it’s nice know there is still a supportive community of likeminded people out there somewhere.
Sarah my husband said a senior partner at his work said yesterday that the over 75’s shouldn’t be able to vote on issues that have the biggest effect on younger generations. An interesting perspective and one that rather goes against the notion of democracy for all, but when presented with the stats of yesterdays voting patterns you can’t help but wonder if they have a point.
I have to say, even though it’seems tempting when faced with a very disappointing result, that kind of thinking is extremely dangerous. I think to disenfranchise any part of the population based on characteristics like age is a terribly slippery slope and a dangerous principle!
Kate I completely agree with you.
@Sarah – I’m a fellow Scot and I feel like I’ve spent a considerable amount of time over the last two years trying to wade through IN / OUT arguments (in both the Scottish and European referendums) to equip myself with the facts so that I feel confident enough to make an informed decision.
Dreading the prospect yet of ANOTHER referendum.
The most sensible and informed thing I’ve read so far today!
Well done Milly for putting this so eloquently!
You’ve perfectly summed up how I feel about this all. Those who’ve voted leave are spouting nonsense about racism, bigotry and how economic uncertainty will be short lived – I really feel they’ve been misinformed by a dirty campaign. One leave voter said this morning that nothing changed over night so why are we getting are knickers in a twist… Words failed me here. So much has changed overnight that it’s frightening! I’m not sure the masses understand the gravitude here. Very concerning ? xx
This was a really interesting read – thanks Milly!
That is terrible Kitty and I really feel for you.
Its a very confusing and worrying time for all of us.
I feel like this is the first major event to really affect me and my future. I think the thing that bothers me most is the amount of ‘unknown’ in Britain leaving the EU.
I was genuinely upset this morning – its a scary time!
I too voted remain, it never crossed my mind to want to leave the EU, and I’m honestly devastated that a majority vote has now set the wheels in motion to do so.
The Leave campaign absolutely prayed on flippant remarks with regards to taking our country back or making Britain ‘great’ again and I’m disgusted at those with the political power who prayed on those remarks and didn’t really back anything up with concrete facts. It was the campaign cantered upon scaremongering that came out on top
I’m sad but not surprised at the statistics to do with age and which way they voted. I’m sad that our older generations potentially voted with their hearts rather than their heads and now we will possibly be feeling the negative effects of this for generations. We’re unable to just re-join the EU if things go pear shaped further down the line and I don’t know if this was stressed enough to the public
There’s a huge amount of emotionally charged remarks on social media today which is totally understandable while people digest and process what has happened. It’s going to be really hard and uncertain and scary – I’m definitely scared of what’s to come, but we have to hope that the big divorce is dealt with properly and not hastily
I’m sad that it has made our little island even more isolated from mainland Europe. Rant over ?
To be honest I’m so depressed I would quite like to read some light relief about summer skincare.
However, I’m an academic and an “expert” of sorts in a few very niche areas. And I am terrified for the future of the universities in light of this decision. However, I feel that this quote really sums it up nicely and reminds us to stay positive:
“Over the referendum campaign we heard it said that the British people were tired of ‘the experts’. Others responded to our concerns by saying we were part of the elite that doesn’t care about the common man.
Well I believe that we do care, and that our work matters. Not just for ourselves but to all those individuals and communities who will need our medical breakthroughs, the impact of our science and innovation, and the profound insights of our social sciences, arts and humanities.
This country is home to many of the world’s great universities and they will continue to be global in outlook and in their impact.”
Keith Burnett, VC of Sheffield
Sorry Mel 🙁
A great quote to share though – and so true. x
I was upset about the result of the general election last year, but when I saw the result this morning I felt genuinely scared about what the future holds.
Did anyone else watch that really informative video that University of Liverpool posted?
https://youtu.be/AQanMs2Pskc
It’s about 20 minutes long but I found it really helpful and worth watching. I don’t understand while views like this we’re not used in the official Remain campaign?
Following. I feel so confused and just really don’t understand what just happened. My Facebook is full of devastated friends and just think I would like to hear something positive from a confident leave voter or two that isn’t focused on keeping people out of our country.
I guess most of the folk I know are people in the charity sector or from inclusive churches and are just very vocal about unity, acceptance and looking after people… so its been a bit of a shocker having been living in a bit of a 98% remain bubble over the build up to wake up to the realisation I’m in a minority. I’m feeling uneasy we’ve gone against the advice of the main party leaders, the Queen, David Beckham and the trustworthy likes of Bear Grylls 😉 and I’d feel better hearing some sensible reasons from the many people there must be out there who voted with well thought through reasons. Sadly I found the information from the leave campaign to be shambolic and so I’m just trusting that there is much more to it than I can see and trying to remain hopeful.
My thoughts EXACTLY Amanda!
Great post. I too was gutted this morning, there were actual tears. Yes I am saddened by what I perceive to be the ‘backward thinking’ shall we say of the leave campaign, but mainly I am concerned because at the end of the day whilst many may feel disenfranchised by it, politics = your everyday life.
For me, that means its financial impact on my rough ‘five year plan’. I feel like I’ve reached an age (32 btw!) whereby the last ten years of hard graft (including a spell fighting to stay employed during the recession – I was one of the lucky ones) is coming to fruition career wise, I’ve bought a house, I’m borrowing more to do it up, I’m saving so that one day soon me and my husband can afford for me to go on maternity leave…all these personal goals that I think early career professionals like me have looked forward to and worked for I feel have become a bit, well, vulnerable overnight.
Don’t get me wrong I have a comfortable life, and will hopefully not be affected the way Kitty’s dad might be for example, but the uncertainty that today’s result brings I just do. not. need.
We’re all in this together, lets remember that whatever happens over the coming weeks and months.
Katie x
I totally understand where you’re coming from Katie. I’m questioning our 5 year plan too.
I’d really like to hear some reassurances from Leave side as well. As at the moment it feels to me like a lot of Leave voters didn’t really grasp what was at stake, and also may have done so as a protest against the “elite establishment.”
Katie, I could have written that myself. I am even called Katie too ! I cried this morning as if I’d lost a loved one – wasn’t expecting to feel so bereft but as you say, all these things that were finally in reach – improving our house that we saved so hard to buy, saving for potential maternity leave and a family – suddenly feel a bit, well, wobbly, and I would have really really relished knowing that they were still possible and safe. xx
My feelings exactly Katie. We should keep striving for these things no matter what. Virtual high-five to you, and great name btw 😉 xxx
Another person who voted in and feels shocked and worried this morning. The national consequences frighten me, and the personal consequences too- research funding for humanities and social sciences (incl. archaeology, my specialism) is going to vanish and with it many opportunities. Also, I am worried about women’s rights, especially with regard to maternity leave, without EU protection.
A big problem as I see it is that there was very little admission by Remainers and, more importantly, the EU top brass, that there are major issues with the Union as it stands (illustrated by a lack of support and help for refugees and failure to stand up to Putin in Ukraine and Syria- what else do we have a Union for but to protect the vulnerable who asked for our help?) and that these should be worked out. But not by leaving!!!
I have seen online that Holland and Italy are now facing calls for similar referenda- what have we unleashed? Is it really the will of the people that the EU topples?
Thanks RMS (and RMF) for taking your readership seriously and providing a space to share and discuss. That’s why we love you!
Good point about women’s rights Lucy, I hadn’t even thought of that yet. Worrying times ahead for sure…
Pleasure Lucy S. And I hadn’t even considered women’s rights with regards EU protection either…..what a long road we have ahead. And what on earth this has started I have no idea.
We were really shocked by the result this morning and both feel quite despondent this morning. I really hope things settle down and become more stable in the coming weeks. I agree with comments above that the leave campaign was based on scare mongering tactics. I don’t think people realise what we could lose by not being part of the EU. I’m also saddened by the people who were too apathetic to vote at all. I’ve always been proud to be British, but my faith has been shaken this morning…..
I’m hugely pro- Europe and I’m gutted. I feel the public have been hugely misled by the likes of Farage and those who voted leave were massively deceived.
My parents, inlaws and 50 something neighbours all admitted that they voted ‘leave’. They all claimed they were doing it for my children’s generation, but their justification was hugely flawed. The main arguments seemed to be 1. immigration, which was really just thinly veiled racism/xenophobia; 2. Power – that somehow we were being trodden down by “Germany and the like”- which is such an arrogant point of view, this is not the days of “the Empire”. We cannot do this alone! And 3. Money – and that the EU is somehow stealing Britains cash…Like some evil conspiracy!
It is such a sad day. I am relieved that my constituency (Edinburgh) voted 75% in favour of remain, but I do wonder the effect it will have on the independence debate (I voted a firm no last time, but now I’m not so sure that I want to be linked to the rest of the U.K.) 🙁
I agree with the point about disguised racism… My parents and in laws stated similar reasons for voting out. &
I was caught by an old man out side the poling station yesterday saying ‘ I hope you voted out, the country is full! ‘.
….Full of short sighted, narrow minded racists it seems.
This is a very very bad thing to say, but in response the the old man stating the country is full, you could’ve answered “hurry up and die then”, i work in demographics and the aging population is an issue that has long been known about and long ignored by politicians. We need young immigrants to help prop up the increasingly elderly population and the huge costs on the NHS and Social care incurred.
With all the pressures on our generation, student loans/tutition fees, ridiculous house prices, the need for two incomes to run a household, childcare costs, we haven’t been reproducing at a rate that will support the over 50’s in their twilight years.
I do risk sounding ageist instead of racist, and i’m not advocating a Logan’s Run ‘Sanctuary’ solution (they kill off people when they reach 30), but the government really needs to address the population structure, and make things easier on us.
Part of me wanted to relieve the upset of this morning with a post about summer skincare… but thank you Charlotte for keeping us focused! It is important that we share how we feel and regain some sense of unity in our communities (even if it’s an online one)
There is so much that makes me fearful today.
The first is that I grew up in 80’s Liverpool and saw the transition from Thatcher’s ‘Managed Decline’ to the energy and spirit invested into my home city by European Funding. I’m not saying that Liverpool is thriving, purely based on EU Funding, but it has been a huge factor, and has made the area a huge attraction to private investors since. This has been pulled from under our feet, and now the thought of Boris Johnson becoming PM is terrifying. He’s made very public how he feels about Liverpool, and I’m sure that’s not about to change!
However I’m also feeling a huge sense of pride today. Pride in my friends who are all united in their dismay and a feeling that whatever happens, we will all keep loving and caring for one another. I also feel proud that, having worked in the charity sector since 1996, I’ve helped to bring some of that European Funding into the UK, to support social housing, environmental issues, build community centres and change the lives of children. They can’t take that away from me.
I worry for our communities right across the country as we stand divided, I’ve sat in shock since 3:30 this morning and I’ve cried tears of disbelief. I really really really hope they know what they’re doing!!
xx
Like everyone, I’m utterly devastated, feeling very worried about things and am hugely disappointed. It came as quite a shock to me, as most people I know were voting REMAIN.
It’s really hard to not feel as if our generation are being unfairly penalised (again) and having to put up with more difficult economic times and uncertainty. The economic crash, tuition fees, ridiculously high rents, stringent rules over getting mortgages…it finally felt like things were back on track, and then this. I’m gutted 🙁
And for reasons based purely on my heart – I loved being a part of Europe, it’s such an amazing collective of people, cities, countryside and cultures, I’m so sad not to be included in that anymore.
x
We will still be in Europe – it’s the European Union we are leaving.
I loved being a part of the European Union, that we could travel to those places freely. Sorry Lu, should have made that clearer.
I don’t think Fern is referring to geography Lu; we are no longer part of that family, and our enjoyment of the continent will undoubtedly be curtailed. Straight away, our £ wont go as far on our visits, and, as oil is priced in $, we’ll see the cost of flights go up too, that’s before we’re cut out of the current ‘open skies’ benefit of membership too.
The reality for me and a lot of people is that European travel to the places and cultures we love will be tougher because of all this. I doubt I’ll have the cash soon to jump an Easyjet to the South of France for a cheeky few days, so yes, that makes me sad too xx
Working in the charity sector (for women and children in dire need) we suffer from government cuts periodically so we depend on grants we’ve already been told today that we have lost over £49,000 as we have grants from EU. The government won’t step in to fill that void. Vulnerable sectors of our community will reach crisis point.
Also, So many of our rights are due to EU… Women’s rights, education, childcare. It now looks like the Conservative party will become more right wing. So hopes of further equality across all spectrums will be lost.
Im dreading the future to be frank. This is not a country I want my children to grow up in anymore.
Is there anyone who can silver line the rain cloud for us? I need some positives!!
I’m with you there Worried. We’re not just looking at the loss of EU grants to the sector either, we’re facing a decline in corporate giving, local authority funding (who’ll need to move budgets around) and in banks who we rely on for matched funding.
The silver lining is that people like you (and me I guess) will continue to fight for those vulnerable sectors. We’re up against it, but the passion in the charity sector will continue and we will do everything we can for the people who need us. x
It’s so interesting what you say Sara, as my parents live in Europe but they voted leave based on exactly the points you outlined above, particularly the one about Germany!
I usually stay well away from commenting online about politics; however, this time I feel compelled to say how surprised and disappointed I am that the vote has gone this way. I’m in Northern Ireland and the majority of us voted to stay, which I am proud of but which sadly makes no difference to the result.
I fear for our future and I really don’t think voters have given enough consideration to the economy. In fact, I believe there is questionable benefit in asking the people to vote on an issue which is largely misunderstood (and I include myself in this – I really think that very few, if any, of us can accurately assess the true impact of departure from the EU). Milly is obviously very well informed about this and I wholeheartedly agree with everything she has said.
From an individual perspective, as a civil servant, I also think exiting the EU will affect our employment prospects – a lot of us work on EU driven issues and it may be that fewer staff will be needed once we have left. Given the current austerity measures and staffing cuts we have been subject to, this is a worrying prospect.
Following this result, if the Americans elect Trump as their President, I might look into moving to the Moon…
I can only echo what others have said. I feel sad and scared about the future of our country and the prospects of my children. I felt even sadder when Cameron resigned; I’m not a conservative voter but I’m frightened of the far right taking the reigns. I’m scared about how hateful our country has become. On a selfish level, I’m afraid for our jobs. My husband was made redundant from the military despite having a permanent commission, so we know the heartbreak of losing a career. He now works in financial services, so I fear even more for his job, particularly as I work part time and can’t even cover our mortgage. The only positive I feel today is pride in my city- I’ve only lived in London 5 years but I’ve never felt more like it’s where me and my family belong.
I had intended to vote leave, but in the end I abstained from the vote.
I do not believe that the EU is a long term workable solution now that there are so many member states and the possibility of more.
The EU would either have to become the United States of Europe, and the USA continues to struggle with their union in respect of the variance of the laws from state to state; or the EU would eventually dissolve in any event.
The EU was an amazing place when here were under 10 member states because it was possible to consider the needs of each country, but with 27 it is not possible to do right by every country.
I didn’t vote leave because Nigel Farage makes me want to kick something.
This is going to be an extremely tough transition, and an extremely long one. I’m as terrified as those who have voted remain, because what happens next is uncertain.
but I believe in the long run it may well be the best thing for our country, if it is handled appropriately and we don’t do something ridiculous like vote Nigel Farage in as prime minister.
Change is hard, really hard, but I believe it could benefit the UK in the long term.
Lora – Thanks for sharing that you abstained. I fully respect your decision to do that and it makes me wonder how many people did the same and whether if they had voted Remain, it would have swung it. Even if yourself and others weren’t fully convinced by the Remain campaign, a Remain result would leave the UK with more options and opportunity to renegotiate within the EU in a timely and thought-through manner.
It raises the issue of voter apathy and how the non-voting population should be split into two sections – those who cannot be bothered/don’t care and those who feel they aren’t presented with a choice they can support. The latter is a major issue and a big challenge to democracy in which ultimately, we have to live with the consequences of the majority of those that did vote, whether it be for something we agree with or not.
There would have been no opportunity to negotiate in the event of a remain outcome. As much was said so by JCJ. And the failure by Cameron to make serious inroads in to a renegotiation with the EU was a typical example of the EU’s refusal to consider proper reform where policies were failing.
Whilst I expected a close result I was genuinely shocked and saddened this morning. To wake up to leaving the UK, resignation of our prime minister and the company I work for share price plummeting feels like a scary prospect. As someone who voted remain I also feel sad that social media is full of so much hate to those who voted to leave, whilst I don’t agree it was the right decision, this is what comes from a democracy and labelling 17m people ignorant racists does not put us in any better position. I work in the financial sector, saving to buy a house and the whole situation is very worrying. What is great, is that the rms community (from what I have read, only got halfway through before I HAD to comment) manages to discuss this in a balanced, grown up way focusing on the way it will effect us all, without getting angry and offensive. Maybe rock my politics should launch their own leadership campaign ? xx
Charlotte for prime minister I say!! xx
Ha ha hahahahaha. I wouldn’t know where to even start.
You are absolutely right though Emma – I’m so impressed with the knowledge and maturity of our community, I have learnt so much already from the comments on this post.
‘labelling 17m people ignorant racists’ — thank you. It certainly doesn’t persuade them to vote remain.
In the interests of accepting the result of the vote even though it is not what I wanted, and trying to move forward positively I now want to know what I, what we, can do to ensure that this process now progresses in a way that benefits us all as much as possible.
I don’t think that allowing Boris Johnson as the potential next PM and other far right conservatives to hold the reigns on the negotiations for us is the right way to go at all.
I’d like to see a cross party panel, including independent experts and researchers pushing the negotiations forward for our future relationship with Europe and the rest of the world.
As a lot of the Leave side seem fond of saying today, this is democracy in action and so I don’t want to see this process in the control of a handful of people with their own agendas and potentially not all of our best interests at heart.
I feel really sad today and it’s the first time in 21 years that I have genuinely thought about moving back to Australia. The NHS is doomed and the pound has been obliterated. But what really scares and upsets me is that a campaign based on fear and hate won. When did we get so mean that we didn’t want to help others in their time of need. My Nan a Geordie is most probably rolling in her grave right now. She may have left the UK in her early 20’s but she loved her country of birth and she never turned her back on helping someone less fortunate than herself. Something a lot of people in this country don’t seem to have the time or heart for. Thank God I am mainly surrounded by those are humble enough to comfort and assist those not as blessed as themselves.
I am not saying Australia is perfect…it’s far from it but I feel a tad lost in the place I have called home for so long.
We live in a democracy with a right to a private ballot, which means that whether or not you agree with the decisions out voters have given you (which they do not need to provide)– you have to respect the majority decision which their votes have produced over yours. However shocking this result may seem.
I think one of the most unexpected and awful parts of the last four and a half months for me, has not been the campaigns run by Leave OR remain (After Scotland, I didn’t expect a clean fight) but it has been how social media, especially facebook has been used as a vehicle for ordinary people to turn on each other in the most vile way. Like previous commenter’s I try to stay away from discussing politics but I’ve seen people call others “stupid”; “delusional”; “suffering from a special kind of madness” and this is from both sides, no exclusivity. What has been really sad to see today has been the many posts from remain voters stating that this result would never have happened had those who voted had a higher level of IQ. An example (admittedly one of the more eloquent in its insult) that I saw earlier: “The problem with the world is that intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence”. Whilst this outcome is scary and bewildering and the short term effects are unknown, this kind of rhetoric I almost find more difficult if we are going to be able to repair the Union and find a common path forwards.
I know many people who voted out (against what is typical for their age group), I voted remain (in line with my age group). I respect their judgement and their reasons are valid and sound. For me the risks were too great in the short term, but my views are my own.
Josie, I absolutely agree with your comments. I am bewildered by some of the posts on my FB news feed (for the record I’m not a big FB user – but we are required to log in to our personal accounts to access our business one for RMW, RMS and RMF so it can’t be avoided.)
It’s an uncomfortable and worrying time for us all, without the need to throw insults and unfounded accusations. We all need to work together to find a positive way forward.
Thanks for providing a space to discuss this today. I am devastated. I work in the High Education sector, which relies on EU funding for research and a lot of EU students, my husband and sister work in the corporate private sector. We will all be affected by this inward looking decision.
I’m so sad and nervous about the future and the uncertainty of it all. I had tears this morning, I just couldn’t believe it. But like many have commented I want to look at the positives (I’m struggling to find any) and I want a better understanding of why people chose to leave. I loved the fact that we were a forward and outward thinking nation. Now it feels very inward thinking and very fragmented.
Kate I have to agree whole-heartedly with you there. I, unlike my Facebook feed, don’t believe all those who voted to leave are racist or uneducated so I need to hear about the positives they believe will come from leaving. I’m desperately trying to hold on to some positivity and unity here!
Yes! I’m still waiting to hear something positive that I can take away from all this. I am gutted with the result and do feel that hard times are ahead but want to desperately to be positive (onwards and upwards despite the defeat!) but so far I haven’t heard anything that is positive! Please someone give us something positive that will come of leaving the EU!!
I’m not English and sadly I couldn’t vote, but this morning I also cried, when I heard the result, as in my heart, Britain ist my home. Yesterday evening, my husband said “don’t worry, Brexit will not happen”, but this morning, it happened! I’m still in shock and it feels all like a bad dream. My husband and I have been planning to move to England for a very long time now. To work there and buy a house. Now England shows us, that we are not welcome anymore!
I always call myself “european”, because Europe belongs together, as we are all so alike in many ways. It is really worrying, how extreme nationalist parties like Ukip, the Afd in Germany or the FPÖ in Austria become stronger and stronger. Like others of you wrote above, I think the older generations become all a little racist, as they are afraid of all the immigrants. These fears were just the wrong reasons to vote “out”. I really don’t know what more to say, only that it is a really sad day.
Mia, I couldn’t agree more. I spent most of my morning crying and trying hard to hold it together at work. Apparently, I’m one of the ‘good immigrants’ as people have told me but right now, I just feel utterly rejected and in shock. My husband is English and our first baby is due in 5 weeks – what kind of divided world am I bringing in a child? And whilst I’m not saying everyone who voted leave is racist, all the arguments I have heard from people direclty have been about immigration.
And disregarding my own upset, I’m worried about the economy which has finally started to recover from a recesssion. How people feel they could trust Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage more on this than economic experts is beyond me.
I am another person who does not ever comment online about politics….ever. But I just wanted to add my voice to the RMS community and show my support to the team and other readers. I too am shocked and truly sad at the result and then the news of David Cameron’s resignation. But I echo someone else’s comment that it is a wonderful thing to have a place to come and read the intelligent, well written and respectful opinions of my peers. So thank you for that!
Like so many comments above, I share the fears of what will come next and how our country will handle the change without falling apart. I am sad at the thought that my freedom of movement will never be the same again, and worry what will become of our great capital, as well as how this change will effect my job, my financial situation and my day to day family life.
Despite being firmly in the remain camp, I now just hope that we can all come to terms with the shock and that the UK pulls together as a united country to make the best of whatever comes next – if we don’t then that’s when the real trouble will start.
I’m devastated, saddened and a bit scared too if I’m being really honest. Like the rest of the RMLtd team I voted remain, along with all of my family and pretty much all of my friends. I believe in working together as a team (united we stand, divided we fall) and didn’t really ever believe that we would exit the EU.
Waking up this morning to the news that the UK had voted ‘out’ made me feel sick. Sick with worry about what the future will bring and for Hector and all the other children out there. I’m not here to judge those who voted to leave – after all we are a democracy and we are privileged to be in this position to be given a vote and for the result to be honoured. However speaking to some of those who voted ‘leave’ this morning I’m not sure they realised the true implications of their actions and I wonder how many would vote the same way if they were offered the opportunity to do so again.
In short this referendum should never have happened.
Thanks Lolly for saying exactly how I feel. The only thing I’m not on board with is the not judging people for voting Leave, not yet anyway, currently I would also add anger to my list of emotions today. My little girl is not yet two and I’m truly scared for the impact this will have on her life. For the first time, I am truly ashamed to be British today.
Thankfully, in my office (I work as part of an International Relations Team in a University) we’re all on the same page, which has made it slightly easier to get through the day, although very worried for the long term impact this will have on our work.
Thanks RMS for publishing this today.
I totally agree with you Lolly. I am so saddened and concerned and feel whole heartedly that many did not realise the implications of the out vote and what uncertainties now lie ahead of us. As a daughter, mother and future grandmother I have lots of people to think about and care about. My job creating beautiful weddings for amazing clients today seems very insignificant by comparison. I guess tomorrow I’ll have to be back to my usual positive self but I feel sad and worried today x
Sending kisses Karen xx
I was devastated by the result of the vote as I don’t know what will happen to me as I rely on the EU to give me my rights i.e the Human Rights and so on as I am fully deaf aka disabled in the eye of the law.
I just am scared that the fact that all those rights/laws that gives the disabled people a voice will disappear and we are back to trying to fight to be equal again, also this might put my job in danger as it might give bosses in the employment sector a chance to say no to having disabled people working for them based on their disabilities.
Also we don’t know what will happen to the UK people who are already in an excellent job abroad in the EU as their jobs will become unstable and uncertain.
It just is going to be a scary road ahead and I just hope that people will try and not make discrimination in all areas ie women/disabilities/ethnicity and so on.
I am from Scotland and I voted to Remain, and now Scottish Government is talking about another Independence Referendum so who knows what will happen with that?!
Hi Ladies – as promised here is a piece of objective and unbiased analysis on the consequences of Brexit: https://dailybrief.oxan.com/Analysis/DB211986/UK-Brexit-vote-will-weaken-EU
Enjoy! x
Thanks Milly – great article.
I’m angry and upset and I’m tired of hearing that we have to accept the result because the “majority” of people voted for it. No, they didn’t. 37.5% of people voted Leave, 34.7% voted Remain and 27.8% didn’t vote. That’s why I’m angry and I won’t stop being angry until voting is made compulsory like it is in a number of countries – then I will accept a result as being democratic.
I also can’t believe that women’s rights were not forefront of everyone’s minds!! With the resignation of Cameron, it’s likely we’ll end up with an even more right wing politician. Cue the curtailing / cancelling of maternity pay as there will be no EU to protect it. I’m resolved to have another child in the next year if I am able to, before I will be forced to give up my job to do so. In addition, our fundamental human rights will continue to be eroded, never mind the fact your next holiday will be more expensive. It’s horrifying how the generation that had so much have taken away the very opportunities that they benefited from. An awful day for our country.
Hi Sophie, agree on the not turning up to vote thing – I’d definitely be voting if I could (I’m not a British citizen). I don’t think the maternity entitlement is one of the worrying things at all. The UK legislation already goes well beyond EU so if the government really wanted to cut it they can. Besides it would be a political suicide to do so even for a right wing government. As an EU citizen living in the UK you’d think I’d be firmly on the remain side but I’m not at all sure how I’d have voted. I don’ think it really was a matter for the people to decide, there are way too many arguments to weigh up for most of us and that’s why it mainly descended into xenophobia versus let’s stick with what we know and easy travel. Let’s hope this opportunity is used wisely and the worst I can look forward to is smugly waving to my husband in the non EU passports queue at the airport.
I’ve found the age vote info really interesting. From conversations I have had it was obvious the ahem! older generations wanted out but my generation was firmly in. I’m not saying older generations have less economic worries, but my parents and generations upwards were all able to buy a house at a young age while earning a low wage. They are now mortgage free and about to, or have, retired feeling comfortable with their pension and savings. Myself and my husband feel very lucky we were able to buy our house in our twenties, but it is only two bed starter house that is not a practical forever house that pushed us up to the maximum we could afford at that time and subsequently have the concern of knowing we need to buy a house for the second time in around five years.
I found that many people I know who wanted to vote out were voting based on immigration and they don’t actually understand the basics of the European trade agreements. I genuinely feel let down by my own country today!!!
Thanks for posting this RMS.
Like many others on here I voted Remain and was so upset (tears were shed!) to wake up to the news that we are on the path to leaving the EU. I live in London and literally all my friends and most my family were voting Remain – maybe I’ve been living in a bit of a bubble but I thought that the vote would swing that way and it was very big shock.
I agree that the referendum should never happened. I also think that publications such as The Sun, Daily Mail and Daily Express should be ASHAMED of themselves in terms of how they covered it.
X
I am 33 years old and voted leave. I am not a racist, a biggot or right wing. It’s unfair to align those who voted leave with the likes of UKIP. I live in a very multiculural area and I love that our country is full of different nationalities. I consider myself British and European.
However, the reasons I voted leave are because I think we need to have tighter controls over our quotas. Something more like the Canadian or Australian points system definitely needs to be introduced over here and I just don’t think we could have done that if we stayed in the EU. Also, for me it was about democracy. Limiting democracy isn’t conducive to lasting stability or social justice. I don’t believe our being part of the EU was working as it should. We’re the United Kingdom – we’re a powerful nation on our own. And most of the time all the EU did was old us to ransom. We didn’t have autonomy.
I believe it was worth the risk to try something new. I appreciate that the future of the UK can’t be predicted now we have decided to leave but things WILL be ok. Of course everything is going to be unstable and frightening now, but things will stabilise and I honestly believe we will come out of this stronger as a result.
I am deeply shocked to see the hateful and divisive comments on social media today. Don’t assume that everyone has the same view as you or should agree with you. The whole point of a referendum was so that each and every person could have their say for their own reasons. We should now accept this decision and move forwards together. Remain open-minded and do not believe all the scaremongering you read in the papers!
The sad thing is, if such a point system like the Canadian or Australian will be introduced, someone like myself (european, but not british) will have bureaucratic difficulties to move to Britain, work there, buy a house etc. A move to another country is always stressful and I am very sad that this will add another obstacle for us, in our plan to move there.
As moving to another european country is not in your personal life plan, the LEAVE vote is good for you. If you dream would have been to move to e.g. France or Germany, you would have been happy, if you don’t have a lot of obstacles to go there.
I do not rule out moving to a European country during my life!
I have close friends who live and work in Spain, France, Belgium and Germany and they are also worried about what leaving will mean for them. I also have friends from Europe who live and work here in the UK too. Leaving the EU does not rule this possibility out for you. It will just mean more hoops to jump through.
I love reading everyone’s comments. You are such a lovely bunch of readers. I have to say I’m a little bit unsure about everything right now. I will fully admit that for a while I wasn’t sure which way to vote. I didn’t understand it all and felt baffled by the messages. I’m not sure I understand it now. My husband is heavily in to economics and politics plus works in the European financial industry and even he was at a loss originally. In the end he looked at it all and we decided to remain. I am now not sure where anything in life is going but what I do know is that we need to try to be positive (as hard as that may be) and to make this country an amazing place to be for our kids. It’s going to be tough and a lot of our dreams may be put on hold but I like to think that somehow we can get there. Let’s keep up every ounce of positivity we can muster and hope that we can make it through together xxx
I am another REMAIN voter and echo the majority of comments made on here today. Its a sad day when you turn on your tv and see Nigel Farage grinning from ear to ear after an election. I worry for my children and their future most of all.
I live and work in Glasgow and the feeling in our office today is that we are now all in hope of another independence referendum. I was a strong NO voter the first time round but if asked again, I’m afraid I’d jump at the chance to leave the UK. Once again, Scotland’s voice is unheard. It doesn’t feel much like a democracy here.
I also live in Glasgow and voted to stay in the EU Sarah – the mood at our workplace has been dreadful all day too, and I agree totally with your comments relating to IndyRef2 – I also voted NO the last time but it feels like EU security would be worth the separation from the rest of the UK at this point (which pains me to say).
I’ve felt disgusted in recent days as to the many racist, xenophobic comments and opinions which have been broadcast all over our media – perhaps naively I wasn’t aware that there was this level of hatred within the UK. Maybe something we should be trying to address while we’re putting the economy back together…
I agree Rebecca. I feel heartbroken. I can’t believe the racist comments. It hurts me greatly as my children are mixed race. Who are these people?!
Well done RMS and its readers for having the courage to talk about the topic. I’m in admiration of everyone being able to share their opinions – we owe it to one another to be civil, especially those of us who voted remain whose entire argument was built around acceptance and inclusion.
Tears were shed this morning and I’m disappointed that the country voted to isolate themselves. We now have a lot of healing to do – there will be significant changes and I just hope that open wounds and a new right-wing Prime Minister doesn’t stifle us returning to the embracing nation I know and love.
I am shocked too, I voted remain. However, for those worried about employment rights the following link is useful: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/18097599/HR%20Implications%20of%20Brexit.pdf . Hope this helps.
I could write a very lengthy post about why I am saddened and scared by today’s news, scared mostly for my small business which I’ve worked so hard to build since the last recession and if it’ll survive the next year (i import goods from Holland and Italy with not the biggest profit margin) I could also comment on how I do empathize with those people who voted leave in the North East of England (where i was born and lived til i was 19) – even though I don’t think they will get the outcome they wanted from this, but as I live now in Scotland, I can only hope for another Scottish Independence campaign with an overall “yes” vote, and also say that today it’s a case of English blood, Scottish heart
Lolly, that’s how I feel too. I feel lost, and angry, and scared for the future. I agree with what others have said in that I feel the facts were lost in a dirty campaign. It’s the campaign with the most salacious lies who came out on top.
With respect to Poppy’s point that she feels it “was worth it to try something new”, this is a gamble with all of our pensions, jobs, homes, and our children’s futures. For all our sakes, I hope the academics and economists were all wrong and Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage were miraculously right, but I just can’t see how that could ever be possible.
With the NHS/£350m volte-face already, for example, it seems that BG and NF have basically sold the country out with a campaign of lies to further their own careers, and that makes me feel absolutely sick and terrified.
I have always loved this country – it’s progressiveness, it’s multiculturalism, it’s courage – and I don’t know if I want to stay here if that’s not who we are anymore. xx
I agree it is a gamble. However, we can and will overcome any troubles we will encounter as a result. Nobody can predict the future. If we had stayed a member of the EU, who is to say it would have worked in our favour over leaving? I and other leave voters were not voting against peace, love and harmony and embracing the beauty of Europe. Brussels is not democratic and I could not vote for a non-democracy. Britain will ALWAYS be progressive and multicultural!
Mulling this over all day and found one positive: Farage and UKIP are finished. They were a one issue party, that issue is done. BoJo and co will make very sure that Farage takes responsibility for the £350million bull, (they are nothing if not self interested) and the party will collapse.
Also, how many people will be galvanised by this to get involved in politics?
Now let’s all have a bucket of gin, a good gin weep and go to bed. I’ve been up since 5 as has my 15 month old- it’s been a bloody long day.
As a Teacher in Scotland, I’m over the moon that Cameron is stepping down. When we all went on strike he basically laughed at us. He said it had the same affect as a ‘damp squib’. I’ve never forgiven him for that comment! I work in Positive Action schools and it’s heart breaking to see everything getting cut for austerity but there’s always money for nuclear subs and war?! I was gutted about us not winning Independence and now feel a sense of hope. It’s more likely to pass the 2nd time round and we can then join the EU as Scotland and not Great Britain. I’m gutted and terrified about leaving the EU. I hate uncertainty. Not knowing is the WORST in any situation.
Lovely to be able to read the comments and empathize with most of them. It has been an emotionally draining day (I also shed tears!) and one which I do not wish to relive for as long as I live.
I felt very strongly about remaining in the EU and like many of you are also very sad at today’s result. Having been born in England but spent most of my childhood in Wales and having lived in France and Spain since, I feel truly European. I work for a company which exports 90% of its goods and feel like my future is uncertain.
Like many of you, I am desperately clutching at straws to find some positives but so far all I’m hearing is that our fuel prices will rise, our mortgage payments will increase and travel will become more expensive – great!
I guess time will tell but I hope that in the meantime we find a leader worthy of running our divided country
Thank you RMS. Most of the day I’ve been Feeling sad at the result, angry and embarrassed at the things people were saying to each other on social media, frustrated with those who did not vote, worried for the future. I even subjected myself to buggy fit in the rain to get out and clear my head (the tea and toast after helped!). But having read the thoughtful, rational and fair comments in this post today I feel a bit more positive. I don’t have it in me to discuss the specifics anymore today but this evening as I cuddled my baby girl to sleep I hoped that somehow the right person will be elected to lead us through this in a positive way giving hope for her in the future.
Cat, I too feel a bit more positive. Still very uncertain but my Mum (who for the record, voted remain also) and several commenters on here have made some valid and positive points about what leaving could potentially bring in the longer term. Thanks for your comment, it was very eloquent and perfectly put – especially regarding your thoughts on your daughter’s future and moving forward x
I’m 21 years old and saving to buy my first house. Life is a massively steep learning curve and is very daunting at this age, and has now been made even more scary and worrying. I am completely devastated about the result of the referendum, I have no other way of describing my feelings. This morning I cried when I woke up and saw the result, then I was extremely angry, then confused and in disbelief. Now I just feel numb and to be honest I’m terrified for what the next few years will bring.
Megan, please don’t feel devastated, I know it seems like such uncertainty lies ahead right now but we need to sit tight and see what “tomorrow” brings, and the next few weeks after that. Saving for your first house is absolutely the right thing to do (I bought my first home at 21 too) and I have everything crossed that the housing market and associated lending will remain as stable as possible x
Thanks Charlotte, I’m glad you posted this as it affects us all. I’ve been really sad about it all day. My main issue has been that no real policies were put in place for vote and remain so people have been voting on things that may not actually happen. Also the lies and propaganda on both sides have been shameful. I really do believe in the concept of the EU, that we’re stronger together, but clearly that is not the majority vote so I think we need to accept the democratic outcome. Am trying to see the positives (this has been hard!) and hope this will get people engaged to with politics. I also hope we will take the best from the EU and go forward with a progressive and forward thinking approach. But I don’t like the uncertainty in the meantime (and neither do the financial markets – which will impact on my job security in finance!).
Pleasure Fran. I feel we sometimes shy away from such topical (and certainly political) subjects for fear of offending or inadvertently causing negativity, which is absolutely the opposite of what the brand represents.
It just goes to show what an intelligent, mature and considerate community we have as this has been such an interesting and healthy debate.
“I also hope we will take the best from the EU and go forward with a progressive and forward thinking approach”
My sentiments exactly x
Thank you for putting this post up yesterday Charlotte, I kept logging on throughout the day to check it as it was nice to read people’s views without hatred like some other sites! I found Millie’s post really interesting & I thought Poppy was very brave to put up her view especially as it was different to the majority.
I have to admit I didn’t vote, I just wasn’t sure enough either way. However, I was really upset yesterday because of the uncertainty/economy/people being so upset (so I should have I guess & do regret it) but I found it difficult as I knew people voting remain & people voting leave, I understood both sides of their views & got stuck in the middle I think.
I noticed yesterday from your post that those who voted remain seemed to be searching for answers (understandably) as to why people voted leave so I asked my friends/family who did vote out why because I know they are educated, good people who are definitely not racist (they all said Nigel Farage is a lunatic, they were not voting for him!)
Their arguments were considered & though I don’t agree with all their points I do try & understand their view point. I think in London it was a bit shock that the vote went to leave but I live in Kent & to be honest I hear people moan about the EU all the time (loudly) so though I am very upset & don’t necessarily think it’s the right course of action (I have a little boy who is 18 months so worried obviously) I wasn’t that surprised.
I don’t suppose the above will help the remain side with the fear that now comes from the chaos which has arrived overnight but I wanted to reassure those with all family/friends that voted remain that those I personally know who voted out are not racists or uneducated. Personally if I had of voted I would have voted remain so I am not saying I agree with their decision but I just wanted people to know that not everyone who voted out is far right or following Farage!
I’ve been thinking very hard about whether I should post something since I am not British and not living in Britain either. I am German, but have lived in England. I have many English friends still and they are all devastated. I do worry about my friends’ futures. One friend ia married to an Italian who has been living in the UK for 10 years. There are many like him and of course couldn’t vote since they are not British, but wonder how it would have turned out is those could have voted. I am also worried what it will mean for the EU and consecutively for Germany and myself.
I am also so impressed and grateful for Charlotte and the whole RMTeam for creating such a great community where a discussion like this is possible.
And now something that angers me personally soooooo much. An argument that was mentioned here that many “leave” believers used about the power of Germany. When will this ever stop? Yes, it is an awful, incredibly terrible history that is ours to live with. But how long do we have to pay for it? How long are we going to be used as scapegoats? I am 29 and learned about it in history books like all the other people my age in different countries. Those grand- and great-grandparents that have lived through it, don’t live anymore. Why can’t it rest? And I don’t just mean other nations blaming us. Why are parties like the AFD gaining so many followers? Why is there so much hate and ignorance? I know this seems naive, but I think it is normal to hope for a better, tolerant nation and EU, especially since becoming a Mum five months ago…
At least you all reassure me that tolerance is possible!
Just throwing in some positive vibes for the worried folk that it might not actually happen. I just read a really interesting article (ahem…facebook post) about how David Cameron has been a bit sneaky and actually stepped down at exactly the moment it makes it almost impossible for someone else to step in and lead it through. Plus our MPs still have to vote it through I think and we can all get onto them but I think lots of them were against leaving. Lets not look to move on or emigrate quite yet when theres still a few more things to try!
Thanks RMS, for not ignoring this. Personally, I’m devastated by what has happened and two sleeps since the result has not changed that. The result is the result but I am so sad that so many in this country were taken in by the lies peddled by the Leave campaign. In my opinion, it was painfully obvious that the key pledges (£350m a week to the NHS! Take back our borders! Cut immigration! Defy the faceless bureaucrats!) were nonsense but a lot of people voted for a lie. And while those of us who want to remain should be heartbroken right now, those who chose to leave on the basis of those lies should be livid. We have been led down a deeply damaging and destructive path, which should never have been built.
Personally speaking, I am a public sector worker and fully expect my (already wildly excessive) workload to dramatically increase as my colleagues are diverted to try and implement a Brexit. I know my salary, which has been frozen for 5 years, will continue to be frozen for years to come – and in real terms, will continue to fall. I will continue to give up more and more of my already very limited time with my family in order to “do my duty”. I chose my job because I believe in working for the public good, even though that often means advising on and implementing things that sit very uncomfortably with my personal views, and even though as a result I earn about 40% of my worth in the private sector. But as the Government I serve becomes more and more right wing, I know I will have to reassess whether I can continue to live with that choice.
But more fundamentally, I am heartbroken for what the campaign has done to the levels of tolerance and inclusiveness in this country. I do not believe that everyone who voted leave is a racist and a xenophobe and I don’t think it’s helpful to label 52% of the country in that way. But I believe that the campaign itself was racist and has created an atmosphere in which people feel emboldened to express xenophobic and racist views and in which is has become acceptable to denigrate “the other” abd blame then for all the problems we have. History teaches us that is a very nasty and slippery slope. My husband is not a British national. He comes from a deeply troubled country and has had a very difficult life. He told me that when he came to London he finally found the safe, inclusive and tolerant place he had spent his life hoping for. Over the last two months he has faced an increase in the number of questions about where he’s from, “how” and why he is here and – shockingly – whether has ever claimed benefits (the answer by the way, is no). He no longer feels welcome and that breaks my heart. As a result of the atmosphere this campaign has fostered and the forces it has unleashed, we are now going to need to have a serious discussion about whether we will have to give up very promising careers, our friends and family and a home we have worked very hard to build and make our lives somewhere he isn’t made to feel different. Of course this isn’t the time for rash decisions but this is our new reality.
You know what Nigel? I want my country back.
I am very late to the party here – but here we go…..
I sat up and watched the results come in – just as I did for the Scottish referendum 2 years ago – then a scot living in Manchester and now living back home in Scotland.
I was gobsmacked at almost all of England voting to leave – i really couldn’t believe it and even now can’t quite get my head around it. I can only feel blame towards the horrendous leave campaign and the very poor remain campaign. I wept at 4am knowing then the fate of the nation!
I know everyone feels very worried about uncertain times and what will happen to the UK IF we leave and if there will be a Scottish referendum etc but….
All of this uncertainty leads to one thing – people holding back in investments/moving house/holidays and generally spending. As an independent small business owner I would dearly encourage you all deeply to take a look around at where you spend – your local and independent businesses are the most at risk at this time – for maybe 1 – 2 years or maybe longer while things are negotiated and discussed.
They need you desperately to keep supporting them & promoting them whenever you can if you don’t want to lose them. Maybe RMS as a follow up a bit more about awesome local business and markets and independents onliners!?
My business buys products from over 25 small businesses/designers all over the UK who in turn use British manufacturers to create their products – your money goes so much further than you think when you chose independent retailers where possible!
Just my two pence worth on how you can help your fellow human during this time! Thank you for the post RMS sorry i missed it on Friday in my Zombie state!
I seem to be the minority in this discussion.
Because of the persistent complaining/abuse and calling for a second referendum from many remain voters (which totally undermines the democratic process) I wanted to distil down my thoughts.
Remain (the same) or Leave (to change).
Prior to the referendum, I made up my mind that I wanted proper change in the relationship between the UK and the EU and decided that the argument that we must stay inside the EU to affect/bring about that change just didn’t stack up for me.
With a “remain” result, I felt the large unwieldy organisation (EU) would just interpret that as “you’re happy to go along with the status quo plus some token changes which David Cameron negotiated to keep you happy”. Not good enough for me.
I wanted better trade agreements with EU countries, I wanted proper UK controls on migration numbers, I wanted the UK to be free to trade with whichever world territories it wanted unhindered by rules of EU membership, I wanted the idea of the ever growing, all dominating EU and the legislation it produces to stop and I wanted more sovereignty for the UK to govern itself more directly and not from Brussels.
The choice on the ballot paper was “remain” or “leave”. A stark choice which I felt steered the voter toward the warm certain blanket of remain, aka the status quo and away from the “leave” for uncertainty.
The way the remain campaign set out the case for remain was built on fear and offered no discussion on how to control migration, because if we had stayed in the EU, we still wouldn’t be able to. Their campaign also did not offer any discussion on further EU reform for the changes I wished to see. Instead they played on people’s fears of the economic unknown to make them vote remain.
The possibilities available if leave won were not well advertised enough for me, but I recognised that there would be more opportunity to affect the changes I wanted to see with a leave vote than a vote for the status quo.
I considered that our Government and UK business has so, so much vested in our relationship with the EU and this would thoroughly prevent the UK from simply “leaving” as the ballot paper crudely put it; to just leave, to just pull out. Really? Like that was really what would happen. We’d just pull out! Not true.
So my interpretation that a vote to “leave” would not actually be a vote to leave. Instead it would be a vote to instigate full on re-negotiation and positive change.
A vote to leave was never going to mean we suddenly cut ourselves out of Europe and ignore the continent even existed, which is what a lot of remain voters on Facebook would have you believe by their posts. EU flag weeping etc etc. Sigh.
The idea that a leave vote means the UK would suddenly stop being European, stop being friends with Europeans, stop trading with Europeans, start being xenophobic, racist bigots with Farage posters on our walls etc is just laughable.
Because there is so much invested in our relationship with the EU and because the vote was so close, we now have this ideal situation where a proper chance to re-negotiate our position with the EU on matters such as trade, migration control and policy is available.
This situation we now find ourselves in would not have happened if we had voted to remain, as the status quo would have endured.
The comments and abuse from the remain voters is shameful and calling for a second referendum is disgusting as it carries the message “ok we had a democratic vote, and we don’t like the result, so we need another vote to change it”.
Look at the bigger picture, the opportunity and the long term gain and stop looking at the sensationalist narrative being presented by our media that only bright outward looking people who enjoy diversity voted “remain” and thick, racists bigots voted “leave”.
We now have the opportunity of positive change with our Government and the EU forced to negotiate better terms. I’m very happy about that.