A Boomer's Perspective: Remain or Leave the EU?
We are living in a critical time where the decisions we make today will have a lasting impact on future generations. Recent history has shown us that the actions of previous generations can strongly influence the present and the future. One such historical event, the Brexit referendum, has left many of us pondering the questions: are we Remainers or Brexiteers? More importantly, why should we make this choice?
Lessons from History
Lessons from past conflicts and social movements have shown us the importance of vigilance and the consequences of turning a blind eye to threats. In the 1930s, Orwell and Hemingway, among others, volunteered to fight against the far-right in the Spanish Civil War. They left a valuable legacy through their journalism, poetry, and literature, warning against the rise of authoritarian movements. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the rise of fascism in Europe led to unimaginable suffering.
The Impact of War and Reconstruction
During World War II, the average age of allied combatants was just 26. After the war, these veterans returned to the UK and participated in the 1945 election. Winston Churchill, the Conservative leader, was voted out, and Clement Attlee's Labour government emerged victorious. This new Labour government made significant contributions, including building over a million homes, primarily council houses, to replace those destroyed during the war. In addition, they established the National Health Service (NHS), which has been a cornerstone of the UK's healthcare system ever since.
The EU and Its Challenges
The UK's relationship with the European Union (EU) has been complex. Consecutive Conservative governments attempted to join the EEC (forerunner of the EU) in 1961 and 1967 but were vetoed by the French. The UK finally joined in 1973. By 1975, a referendum was held on the UK's continued membership in the EEC, with those born before 1957 voting to remain by a significant margin.
Revisiting the 2016 Referendum
Fast forward to the 2016 EU referendum, where the issue once again came to the fore. Many veterans from the Second World War, now in their 90s, voted to remain in the EU, highlighting their commitment to peace and the principles that the EU represents. These historical legacies have shaped the current political landscape, and the debate between Remainers and Brexiteers reflects the deep-seated values and beliefs of those who have lived through or witnessed these critical moments in history.
The Current Situation
Today, the rise of the far right in the UK, exemplified by the hollowing out of the center-right in the Conservative party, poses a significant challenge. The Brexit campaign overlooked issues such as affordable housing and the NHS, which remains under threat as it faces trade negotiations with right-wing administrations like that of President Trump. This shift towards far-right policies is a stark contrast to the actions of previous generations who worked tirelessly to build and sustain a fair and just society.
Climate Change and Future Legacy
Moreover, the legacy of those who fought against far-right ideologies is now in direct contradiction with the policies of a generation that has inherited much from their sacrifices. Climate change is another critical issue that requires decisive action. The rise in CO2 levels and the mass extinction of flora and fauna underscore the urgency of addressing these environmental challenges. The advocacy of far-right doctrines that deny empirical truths and turn a blind eye to environmental concerns is a concerning legacy compared to the proactive approach of previous generations.
Conclusion
As the baby boomer generation approaches retirement age and faces the challenges of an aging population, the choices we make today will define the future. We have a choice to either perpetuate the legacy of those who came before us or to confront the new challenges head-on. The path to a peaceful, sustainable future lies in staying within the EU and working to improve it while advocating for the health of our planet. Our actions now will shape the legacy we leave for future generations.
Personal Reflection
As a social liberal and a boomer myself, I will never vote for the Conservatives, and I have only considered voting for Labour if it is tactically necessary. My stance is clear: I am a Remainer, and I believe in the values and principles that the EU represents. My contribution is to advocate for peace, the continued membership of the UK in the EU, and the urgent need to address climate change.