Friday, 24 June 2016
EU referendum
I don't usually report on anything too political on my blog but it would be odd if on a momentous day like today I didn't say something. So..... what to say, except I am stunned. I did vote to remain in the EU. I voted in 1975 to join the then Common Market and I voted to remain in the EU. I know it's less than ideal and change needed to be made to the EU structure etc. But I felt we were stronger together than apart. In this age of globalisation becoming a very small country in a very big world doesn't seem to make much sense. I also feel that a simply In or Out vote didn't cover the many complexities of the issues. However the majority of the UK population voted to leave the EU. To be precise 52% voted to leave and 48% voted to remain.
In Orkney the vote was in favour of remaining part of the EU. Voting figures released today show that 7,189 voted to remain while 4,193 voted to leave, with a turnout of 68.45%.
Scotland as a whole voted to remain in the EU (62%), with just 38% voting to leave. Nicola Sturgeon (First Minister for Scottish Government) has said that a second Scottish Independence Referendum is "highly likely". Then Scotland would be able to apply for EU membership.
The UK Prime Minister has resigned as he supported remaining IN..... Though it was HIS idea to have a referendum because his own party were fracturing. He misjudged the mood of the voting public...badly.
So, we live in interesting times. It's oh so easy to put a cross next to REMAIN or LEAVE but it will take years to untangle the legal issues and the ramifications will be felt for generations to come.
Today I drink tea, eat cake, wander on the beach and endeavour to calm my troubled soul.
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I'm horrified too, though the way the polls were recently I was half expecting it. I fear for the wave of xenophobia Farage and his ilk have encouraged.
ReplyDeleteI do know a number of people who voted leave and they are intelligent people who are not xenophobic. I respect their decision but wonder how it will all work out in the end.
DeletePerhaps a case of, "Be careful what you wish for." You just might get what you wanted - then what? My heart is with you. Ranee (MN) USA
ReplyDeleteThanks. And it could take years of uncertainty before it is all "unpicked".
DeleteI feel the same. This morning I was quite despondent. Peace be with you.............whichever sort of peace you like.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beverley. I'll take whatever peace I am offered thanks :-)
DeleteI know your blog has little do with anything political (and that's why I follow it), but, as you said, the results of the referendum are monumental. If I may, a question to you: Do you suppose that if Remain had won that Nicola Sturgeon would not now be talking a 2nd ref re: independence for Scotland? To me, that would seem to be the case.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest the very raison d'etre of the SNP is Independence. Has been from day 1. I suspect at some point in the future when they were certain of getting a greater majority supporting it, then they would have gone for it again. But I doubt it will be straightforward this time.
DeleteIf they stayed in they would make a 'pigs ear' of everything.
ReplyDeleteIf they pull out they will make a 'pigs ear' of everything. I hope it wont affect your blogs. Regards, Mark.
Aye, and there's always someone unhappy with a decision! And normal service will be resumed. Just felt I had to say something as we don't live in a vacuum. I have friends who voted Leave and they will remain friends too even though we disagree :-)
DeleteAll credit to you, Sian, for writing a thoughtful, dispassionate post. I may have to remove the 'F' key from my laptop before attempting to embark on a similar exercice. My greatest concern is for the ecology of Britian. I cannot see how the protections of the Habitats and the Birds Directives will be maintained by an unconstrained Westminster.
ReplyDeleteI agree, environment, zero hours contracts, these were protections brought about by the EU.
DeleteThat should be "protection against" zero hours contracts! In case it wasn't obvious.
DeleteI wondered if you would say something about this most disturbing vote. It isn't a simple in or out is it? The ramifications of this decision is long reaching. I am in hope that things will work out, but won't be holding my breath. Take care, and continue to enjoy your little paradise.
ReplyDeleteNo, it was too complex a situation really for an In/Out vote. And as ever the politicians judged it wrong. Ho hum.... thank goodness for Graemsay.
DeleteAlthough I almost always read your beautiful posts I rarely comment, but I just wanted to say that I, too, feel sad and I do wonder what the future will bring. I am Swiss and Italian and was not allowed to vote but I was hoping common sense would prevail. Alas, I was wrong. I was drinking coffee and sewing a blouse to keep my thoughts on track. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks from commenting Christina. I do appreciate it. I know a lot of young people are angry that their right to work and travel freely across 27 countries is about to be lost. Hard to say what things will look like in a couple of years time...
DeleteThe vote to leave the EU makes many of us in the USA very nervous. As I'm sure you know, we have a presidential election this November - and a very un-presidential candidate that has gained a lot of popularity by tapping into many people's fear and anger. Sound familiar? These are very interesting times. Peace be with you. Regards, Lorraine
ReplyDeleteYes I feel your pain too! Peace to you too.
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