In the Sunday Times of 14 October, David Davis wrote an article with the intriguing headline: “Brexit panic has started on the Continent. Now we must drive a hard bargain”. Unfortunately, the article is largely behind a paywall. A subsequent Independent article gives you some clues about its contents. Its comparison with the British TV-series Dad’s Army reveals enough.
About a month ago, a Dutch born woman, living in the UK for decades, made a similar remark: “I hear that people in your country are panicking over Brexit”. I was flabbergasted and had to gather my thoughts. For a second, I wondered if she was pulling my leg. I declined that option. She was dead serious. I told her that she was gravely misinformed.
The main reason why there is no Brexit panic on the Continent is that we still have no clue in which direction Brexit is heading. You need to know the likely outcome of something before you can start panicking. For now, we look in astonishment or bewilderment – or whatever similar word – how the British are (not) handling their exit from the EU.
Another reason for not panicking is the inherent irrationality of the Brexit decision. Most people somehow benefit from the EU’s existence and some people even profit. The pro-Leave arguments were built on (proven) falsehoods (eg, extra NHS money). The pro-Remain arguments were clearly exaggerated but at least not false. In due time, these may still prove to be correct.
Yet another reason for not panicking on Brexit is our expectation it may never actually happen, either following a 2nd Brexit referendum, a defeat in Parliament, or new general elections. Time is in the advantage of Mrs May (a Remainer) and she seems to realise this very well.
Another reason for not panicking is that we accept the consequences if Brexit would happen. In other words: There is no gain without some pain. The French are already actively luring British companies to the Continent (eg, Bloomberg, EurActiv, Politico, Telegraph).
A psychological reason for not panicking is that the Continent is still gloating about the Brexit mess. The longer Brexit lasts, the better we will feel about ourselves. British arrogance and Continental self-esteem have never been best friends.
Why would we even be panicking if/when we hardly buy UK consumer products? The only British products that I’m aware of, are my Dainite shoe soles and my Burberry jacket. Apparently, we do not need to worry for UK industrial manufacturing (eg, cars) as these companies are more and more likely to migrate to the Continent or set up manufacturing branches there.
Panicking requires a feeling of Fear. Unfortunately for the British, our primal emotion is rooted in Love (eg, gloating).
There is a bloody-mindedness about Brexit by Graham Norton
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless stated otherwise
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