Brexit Testimonies

"I feel I am watching the death throes of the UK - one lives in hope that there will be some last minute reprieve, but things look increasingly grim, and I feel a sense of loss and bereavement that is difficult to express."

I have been living in Italy since 1991 - I came as a student to learn Italian, met a Sicilian and ... the rest is history, as they say!

The referendum result was a punch in the guts and revealed a side to the UK that I didn't know or believe existed. Disbelief and disappointment at the outcome turned to frustration and anger as the 48% were ignored and belittled; "citizens of nowhere", "bargaining chips" and the rest meant that accepting the result became increasingly difficult, especially as the illegalities of the Leave campaigns and the heavy-handed approach of May's government became evident.

My concern has never been much about my own situation as I will probably claim Italian citizenship if and when Brexit happens, but it is for the future of the country, the lost opportunities, the turning-in upon itself and the serious risk to the survival of the United Kingdom that I worry, as it is clear there are no economic benefits to Brexit, the dismantling of European projects like Erasmus, etc. is mindless vandalism, and I believe Scotland and Northern Ireland will go their separate ways if Brexit happens.

From Italy, there is little I can do - I have no vote, no MP representing me, so I have become more active on social media, sharing information as best I can, and I have been to most of the big marches in London and Manchester, because all I can do is stand up and be counted. Following Brexit has absorbed so much of my time because I can't just sit back and watch it happen - I feel I need to support those on the ground who are trying to defend what I see as the soul of the UK, even if it is just with a Like or a Retweet. The prospect of it dragging on for years fills me with despair, as does the knowledge that no solution will heal the country. The recriminations of a large part of the population, whatever the outcome, will continue for decades. I see the with rage at the despicable politicians who brought this situation about with superficiality, irresponsibility and arrogance, and I watch with incredulity as they continue to lie unchallenged, and attack the institutions that defend the democracy of the country.

I feel I am watching the death throes of the UK - one lives in hope that there will be some last minute reprieve, but things look increasingly grim, and I feel a sense of loss and bereavement that is difficult to express.

I am British, I grew up in Scotland but my Father's family are all English; I am European - my German mother and English father met in the years after the War, I also have relatives in Austria and Norway. I married an Italian and my children have dual nationality and love both parts of their heritage in equal measure. I like to think my family embodies the spirit of Europe, one of delight and curiosity in other people's cultures, of respect, cooperation and sharing - all of us different but all united. Brexit has broken my heart.