In September 2024, the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall witnessed an unusual spectacle. Elderly protesters, adorned with yellow-starred berets, gathered outside, embodying a movement that has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades.
This scene marks a stark contrast to the pro-EU movement's former dominance. Twenty years ago, EU membership was unquestioned across mainstream parties and media. Even five years prior, despite the referendum loss, Rejoiners maintained significant influence in political and cultural spheres. Today, their presence is reduced to symbolic protests, reminiscent of the Eurosceptic movement in the early 1990s.
The author reflects on his own experiences as a young Eurosceptic, drawing parallels between past anti-EU tactics and current Rejoiner strategies. This comparison highlights the cyclical nature of political movements and the persistence of fringe groups.
Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank, recently warned of economic stagnation within the EU. Since 2000, the EU's per capita real disposable income growth has been half that of the US. Despite these challenges, proposed solutions often involve more centralization and regulation, potentially exacerbating the issues driving entrepreneurs away.
The disparity between EU and non-EU tech sectors is striking. The seven largest American tech firms, including Amazon, Apple, and Google, dwarf their European counterparts by a factor of 20. This gap underscores the EU's struggle to foster innovation amidst regulatory constraints.
Britain's Labour Party, despite its pro-European history, has adopted a pragmatic approach. While criticizing Brexit, they've embraced opportunities like joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This shift reflects a growing recognition that economic growth may lie outside the EU framework.
"Bad economic news in the EU is far less widely reported in the UK now than when we were members. Indeed, the chief reason that opinion polls show a decline in support for Brexit is that we have lost interest in the failings of the EU, whether the bullying of democratic Poland or the bribery scandal in the European Parliament."
The author critiques Rejoiners for viewing Brexit primarily as a cultural issue rather than addressing practical concerns. Their reluctance to criticize EU policies, even when advocating for performers' travel rights, demonstrates a disconnect from the realities of current EU-UK relations.
In conclusion, the article draws a parallel between the aging Rejoiner movement and the EU itself, describing both as "Elderly, stubborn, inflexible and heedless of the changes in the wider world." This comparison suggests that, like ancient cities Nineveh and Tyre, the EU's influence may wane, while its most ardent supporters continue to cling to an idealized vision of European unity.