Europe
In 1945 The Second World War ended. Europe
had been once more torn apart and destroyed by nationalist fighting. Only just
over 70 years ago. It is easy to forget how short a time that is in historical
terms.
From that disaster came a firm conviction
to avoid future conflicts by uniting Europe in a number of common causes. The
process has been slow, difficult and not always successful to date. There have
been great advances, huge mistakes, and no end of misunderstandings.
But the idea is brilliant. A united Europe
as a guarantor of civil rights, social services, tolerance and equality. A
space which has no room for the death penalty, or dictatorships of any colour,
or prosecution based on race, creed or sexual condition. A space for peace and freedom.
Now the concept has been put into doubt by
the British and their unexpected Brexit vote. On what grounds? According to the
right wing tabloid press the problem is one of immigration and of loss of sovereignty.
Brussels has apparently gone mad and is dragging the British people down with
them.
Criticism is fair and to be encouraged,
mistakes should be pinpointed and corrected. There is discontent not only in
the UK, but also in Poland, France, Holland and other nations. But to undo what
has taken so much to create is short-sighted and dangerous. What if Britain or
any other nation state decides to go it alone on immigration? Or on common defence?
How will that affect international
relations and trade? What if an ‘independent’ government wanted to bring back
the rope?
The answer is not to become a maverick state,
to cut hard earnt ties, to burn one’s boats. That is an island mentality, and
as the poet said, no man is an island.
Europe will continue to grow as a concept.
Differences will be dealt with, crises overcome. There is no turning back,
despite the Farages and Le Penns. Britain belongs to Europe and should form
part of its growth. But if it finally decides not to form part of its own
continent, to remain distant and wrapped in its faded Union Jack, nothing will
change. Europe is a reality, a necessity, an achievement.
