I awoke this morning no longer a national of the European Union. As I write this post, I am uncertain as to what my status is. Have I become an illegal immigrant overnight? Do I need to apply for a work and resident visa (after two decades of living and working in France?) I’m a holder of two passports, British and Canadian, and I’m wondering how the Brexit result will affect my life and future in France.
Aside from that, the outcome of the Brexit vote is indeed interesting and, I think, courageous. The entire world holds its breath to see how this new reality will sort itself out. Some people suggest that the UK adopt a Norway-style relationship with the EU (a semi-detached relationship with the EU through its membership with the EEA (European Economic Area)). But what, I wonder, will the direct and immediate consquences be other than the resigning of Prime Minister Cameron and, more importantly, the plunging of the British pound? Brexit could trigger a domino effect. These are interesting times indeed. A revolution has occurred!
This much is clear – Brexit was a protest vote and a massive slap in the face not only to the out-of-touch and arrogant ruling elite, but primarily to the technocrats in Brussels. Brexit was a clear rejection of the 59% of Britain’s laws that are made in Brussels. Brexit was also a slap to the wealthy who have seen their net worth triple in the last few decades, to economic disparity, to the ever-widening gap between rich and poor and the shrinking of the middle class (yes, Bernie Sanders you were so right; the UK, of course, shares similar problems as the USA.) To corruption in general, to globalization, and to the hegemony of international Wall Street-City cartels, namely the financial firms. Immigration also played a role. Brexit is a response to the question, WHAT HAS EUROPE DONE FOR US?
I see Brexit as a levelling of the playing field, a wiping the slate clean, which is not necessarily a bad thing. And who knows? The new deal that will be hammered out could be a better deal. The people have voted. This is the democratic process which must be respected.
UK votes Brexit: What happens now?
How long would it take to leave the EU?
It would take a minimum of two years for the UK to leave the EU. During that time Britain would continue to abide by EU treaties and laws – however it would not take part in any decision making.
What will happen during that time?
The UK would have to thrash out the terms of its departure. Issues would include what financial regulations would still apply to the City of London, trade tariffs and movement rights of EU citizens and UK nationals.
The agreement would have to be ratified both by the European council and the parliament in Strasbourg.
How would Brexit impact the EU?
Some people in the EU community believe that Britain quitting its membership could encourage other nations to follow suit with referendums of their own – or demand tailor-made deals of their own.