Inside Brexit: How Britain lost Europe | FT Features

Summary

The Brexit referendum marked a turning point in British history, driven by internal political struggles and a deepening divide over the UK's relationship with the EU. Prime Minister David Cameron's gamble to secure a better deal with the EU backfired, sparking a contentious campaign. The Leave side successfully capitalized on fears over immigration and sovereignty, while the Remain campaign struggled to assert its economic arguments. The shocking result of the vote led to Cameron's resignation, leaving the country in turmoil. The events of 2016 continue to shape Britain’s future, illustrating the profound consequences of the decision to leave the EU.

Takeaways

• 😀 David Cameron's decision to call a Brexit referendum is seen as one of the worst self-inflicted political harms in British history.
• 😀 Cameron underestimated the possibility of a Brexit vote, believing it was 'in the bag,' which weakened his position during negotiations with the EU.
• 😀 The negotiations between the UK and the EU failed to deliver a deal that could convincingly persuade the electorate to remain in the EU.
• 😀 The Leave campaign, led by figures like Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, was initially underestimated by Cameron and his team, but it gained momentum over time.
• 😀 The referendum campaign became heavily focused on immigration, with the Leave campaign using it as a central issue to rally support.
• 😀 Cameron and his team were reluctant to attack key figures in the Leave campaign, like Boris Johnson, which ultimately cost them the referendum.
• 😀 Economic warnings from the Remain campaign were ineffective, with the Leave side successfully undermining these messages and creating doubt among voters.
• 😀 The tragic murder of Labour MP Jo Cox during the campaign did not alter the course of the Brexit vote, despite temporarily halting the campaign.
• 😀 The Remain campaign's strategy of relentless economic warnings, including the so-called 'punishment budget,' backfired and failed to sway the public.
• 😀 Despite the shock of the result, the Brexit vote was ultimately a reflection of a long-standing desire among certain sections of the UK to regain control and sovereignty, even if the full consequences remain unclear.

Q & A

What was the main reason for David Cameron's decision to hold the Brexit referendum?

David Cameron decided to hold the Brexit referendum primarily to resolve the internal divisions within his Conservative Party and to address growing Euroscepticism in the UK. He hoped that securing a better deal from the EU would satisfy both the public and his party.

Why did David Cameron's renegotiation with the EU fail to win widespread support?

David Cameron's renegotiation with the EU failed because the deal he secured was not perceived as strong enough by the British public. While EU leaders felt it was generous, many Britons believed it didn't offer enough control over issues like immigration or sovereignty, leading to a sense of betrayal.

What was the role of Boris Johnson and Michael Gove in the Brexit campaign?

Boris Johnson and Michael Gove played pivotal roles in the Brexit campaign by leading the 'Leave' side. Their defection from the 'Remain' camp, despite initially being part of Cameron's team, helped shift the momentum towards the Leave movement. They became prominent figures in advocating for British sovereignty and control over immigration.

How did the 'Remain' campaign fail to resonate with the public?

The 'Remain' campaign struggled to connect with the public because its messages were often framed in economic terms that seemed distant and disconnected from people's concerns. The government's dire warnings of economic disaster were not convincing, and the campaign lacked a compelling narrative to inspire voters.

How did immigration become the central issue in the Brexit campaign?

Immigration became the central issue for the 'Leave' campaign as it was seen as a direct way to appeal to voters' concerns about national sovereignty. The argument that leaving the EU would allow Britain to regain control over its borders resonated with many voters who felt overwhelmed by immigration and its social and economic impacts.

What impact did the tragic murder of MP Jo Cox have on the Brexit campaign?

The murder of MP Jo Cox by a right-wing extremist momentarily paused the Brexit campaign but did not change its course. While it was a tragic event, the murder, coupled with the inflammatory 'Breaking Point' poster used by the 'Leave' campaign, heightened the tensions and fueled the anti-EU sentiment.

What was the 'Breaking Point' poster and why was it controversial?

The 'Breaking Point' poster, used by the 'Leave' campaign, depicted a line of refugees and was designed to emphasize the dangers of uncontrolled immigration. It was controversial because many viewed it as racist and inflammatory, using fear tactics to manipulate voters, which ultimately hurt the 'Remain' campaign.

Why did David Cameron fail to confront Boris Johnson and Michael Gove directly during the campaign?

David Cameron failed to confront Boris Johnson and Michael Gove directly because he was focused on maintaining party unity and avoiding further division within the Conservative Party. However, this strategic error allowed the 'Leave' campaign to gain momentum without effective opposition from the government.

How did the economic arguments for 'Remain' fail to sway the public?

The economic arguments for 'Remain' were often viewed as too abstract and alarmist. Many voters felt that the dire warnings about the economic consequences of leaving the EU did not reflect their real concerns. The 'Leave' campaign's focus on sovereignty and control over immigration ultimately had a greater emotional appeal.

What were the immediate political consequences following the Brexit vote?

The immediate consequence of the Brexit vote was David Cameron's resignation as Prime Minister, as he had campaigned for 'Remain.' This led to a leadership struggle within the Conservative Party, with Michael Gove's political maneuvering against Boris Johnson ultimately paving the way for Theresa May to become Prime Minister.