The vote in Britain to leave the European Union (EU) reflects two things: dissatisfaction among people in the north of England which has lost most of the industries which once made it strong, and a long-time feeling that Britain is an island – not really part of Europe.
That's the assessment of Stephen Dodwell, a former resident of Jersey, an island in the English Channel, between Britain and France.
Dodwell has observed British life for years, although he hasn't lived there for a long time. Currently, he runs the Pomeroy Inn & Suites in Olds, and serves as the Olds and District Chamber of Commerce president.
“It's all about making Britain great again. ‘We are an island and should stay an island. Don't worry about the pound tanking, it'll all come and it'll all be right again,'” Dodwell says.
The vote on whether or not to stay in the EU was held Thursday. Fifty-two per cent voted to leave; 48 per cent voted to stay.
“The north was the industrial base of the country,” Dodwell says. “That's the area that's been hit the hardest over the years with industry closing – steel, coal, all the good solid manufacturing base.
“They're the ones that always feel it and I think they're the ones that then become more insular. When you're being attacked from outside, you put the fences up,” he says.
“I think half the problem is that for years Britain has always had a problem being part of Europe anyway because of the island mentality,” Dodwell says.
“Even when the Chunnel (tunnel under the English Channel) came, you know, they had that physical link, but it wasn't enough.
“And the fact that we never went to the Euro was another separation. There wasn't that sort of mental bringing together by having a single currency,” he adds.
“My worry is the country is obviously so divided when you've got just over half the people thinking one way. It would almost be better if it was a 75-25 (split).”
Immigration is another hot button issue.
“They're just frightened and they're feeling overwhelmed. The thing is, they think by coming out of Europe, they're claiming their country back. But it's not going to do anything,” Dodwell says.
He also wonders who will lead the country (and the negotiations to leave the EU) now that Prime Minister David Cameron, a strong supporter of the “remain” side, has announced his intention to resign.
Dodwell fears Boris Johnson, one of the leaders of the “leave” side, may take over.
“I worry to death about poor Boris Johnson. I hope to goodness that that man does not become prime minister,” Dodwell says, noting Johnson, the former mayor of London, has a reputation for saying some outlandish things.
“Lord mayor of London, that's great,” Dodwell says. “There's a role for being eccentric, but to have someone like that represent your country to the world?”
"My worry is the country is obviously so divided when you've got just over half the people thinking one way. It would almost be better if it was a 75-25 (split)."STEPHEN DODWELL
