Definite proof of the cultural quirk that resulted in Brexit

 

Brexiting. A series on being English. # 13

Here is a short but definite proof of the element in English culture that, inexorably, led to Brexit. 

The British elite Remainers wanted to stay in the EU on the supposition, if not the conviction, that they could mould (AE: mold) the European Union to their liking. The British elite Leavers wanted to leave the EU because they thought changing it to their liking would prove to be impossible. Both the Remainers and the Brexiteers thought they knew better than the Continentals. It is this commonality of rock-solid belief in British superiority that created Brexit.

It is perfectly illustrated by a speech by David Cameron, Prime Minister of Great Britain from May 11, 2010, to July 13, 2016. Remember that David Cameron called the referendum on Brexit which was held on June 23, 2016.

In his speech on November 14^th, 2011, at the Lord Mayor’s banquet in London, David Cameron said:

“We’ve a right to ask what the European Union should and shouldn’t do and change it accordingly. As I said, change brings opportunities. An opportunity to begin to refashion the EU so it better serves this nation’s interests... ...and the interests of its other 26 nations too.”

It is like you hear a Brexiteer speak. but he was a Remainer.

I rest my case. 

Amsterdam, 4 September 2020

P.S. The full transcript of this speech can be found here, Reprinted from the papers from which David Cameron read it.

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