The Meaning of Brexit and the Future of the United Kingdom

On April 10, 2024, the Institute of European Studies hosted Professor David Reynolds for his lecture, “The Meaning of Brexit and the Future of the United Kingdom.” Professor of History at Cambridge University and Fellow of Christ’s College, Reynolds came to Berkeley as a recognized scholar widely featured on television and radio, with publications on Anglo-American relations, global history, US history, and British history. In a room of 40 people, Reynolds presented on the history of Brexit, and what this means for the future of the UK, all while emphasizing his perspective as someone who voted “Better In” during the referendum in 2016. 

Reynold’s lecture focused on three main aspects of Brexit: The British entry to the EU, Brexit, and the UK now. In describing Britain's entry to the EU, Reynold presented a consistent theme of them being the “awkward partner”. Because they joined the union late, there was always a little dissatisfaction on the UK’s behalf. Other factors fueling tensions between the UK and the EU concerned its isolation  by the English Channel, the back and forth relationships with France and Germany, and the challenge of transferring power to Brussels. Previous to joining the EU, Britain was used to calling the shots, but with this change, the EU now held the final decision making authority. Reynolds’ next big point, that Brexit was “a slogan in search of a strategy” is a result of the political changeover. With Cameron leaving the UK “islanded” as soon as the referendum was passed, the divided perspectives between regions of the UK, and no plans on the other side, there was a lack of definition for what Brexit meant. Reynolds’ described the situation as a scene out of the children's story, Alice In Wonderland, as the UK fell down a rabbit hole with a variety of characters taking the place of Prime Minister within a short period of time. Lastly, Reynolds’ presents the concept of the UK, “what the union means and where it might be going” as a powerhouse still involved with trade and interactions with the EU, yet independent. Although no longer a member of the EU, Reynolds’ reminded tha audience of the relations the UK still holds with them, and the continuous business to be negotiated. He ended by saying, “The UK can not escape the European Union, but now it must work with them from outside the EU rather than as fraction insiders.”