WE congratulate the government and people of the United Kingdom (UK) on their successful referendum in which the majority of the citizens voted to take the UK out of the European Union (EU). This is a victory for democracy. The people have made their choice, which must be implemented.
Prime Minister David Cameron deserves commendation for his courage in calling the referendum, and for urging the UK to stand by the results even when those results went against his desire. The outpouring of support for him from all over the world since he announced his decision to step down in October, including a supportive message from President Muhammadu Buhari, attests to the enormous goodwill he commands worldwide, which is a testimony to his exemplary leadership.
We urge European leaders to have a broadminded approach to the United Kingdom as it contends with the fallouts of the referendum. The pressure to stampede the British into decisions before they are actually ready to pull the exit trigger should be stopped. They must be allowed ample time to put their political house in order before they can invoke the famous Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which formally begins the exit.
The anxiety of European leaders to reassure all Europe that the Union is strong and unshakeable, even with Britain’s exit, is understandable. We understand their commitment to make the Union a success as an economic, political and security multi-state entity and the need to discourage other members from emulating the British. But, the success and credibility of Europe will be greatly enhanced by how it handles a testy situation such as the exit of Great Britain.
Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, should be commended for her conciliatory approach and her understanding of current British predicament, despite the pressures on her both at home and across the EU. We urge her to continue to show leadership, to calm frayed nerves and to counsel patience. Europe, on its part, would benefit from the British referendum in so far as it is a pointer to the nagging issues that are of utmost concern across all Europe. With such lessons, Europe could then work on those issues and, hopefully, find pathways to building a more perfect union which would be appreciated and supported by all members.
There can be no doubt that the issue of intra-Europe immigration was a sore point to a great many British citizens and seems to have weighed heavily in the decision of those who voted to leave the union. Till date, there is no unanimity as to what is the best approach to the immigration and refugee conundrum. While it is obvious that Europeans do not want the Mediterranean to continue to be a huge wet cemetery for displaced peoples who are fleeing some of the world’s troubled spots, it is also equally true that no nation is comfortable with unimpeded immigration with its grim security implications, especially at this time of al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Truly, the world appreciates the heroic efforts of Europe exemplified by Germany’s willingness to take in a million refugees in the last year, and Italy’s consistent efforts to help the refugees.
We commend the EU for its enlightened approach to the agitations of some segments of the UK, especially Scotland, which wish to be part of Europe. It was wise not to offer them false hopes, given their current status. The massive protests against leaving the EU by Britons should temper Europe’s negotiation with the UK for they show that within the UK, there are millions whose heart and soul are with Europe, the vote notwithstanding.
The political turmoil in the UK was not anticipated. Cameron has given a short notice that by September 9, a new UK leadership would be ready to assume office to implement the referendum and take the nation on a new course. We urge European leaders to be patient with the UK as it goes through the hassles of choosing new leaders. The referendum should not be seen as a hostile divorce in spite of the rhetoric of men like Nigel Farage of the UK Independent Party, France’s Marine Le Pen and the ultra-right whose stock-in-trade has always been the elevation of racial and ethnic tension. Europe should continue to see the UK as a member of the family, a friend, a neighbour, a business partner and a comrade with shared values, goals and aspirations.
Brexit is sure to have implications for self-determination agitations in other parts of the world. It is important for the affected nations to manage these agitations in a way that will not compromise the continuing peaceful existence of their citizens as we had it in the British example.