UK’s crazy to turn its back on EU allies

RECENT debates on Brexit, often boring and repetitive, have occupied the minds of many people, some intellectually gifted, others with at least a basic knowledge of the world and economics, but far too many engaging in old-fashioned partitionist politics that fly in the face of a progressive and modern world free from borders that prevent the movement of goods and services.

Their arguments certainly do not reflect the vision of John Hume, who saw the bigger picture of how the European Union serves as an important catalyst for breaking down borders, creating free travel areas and promoting a new sense of unity that will prevent war and conflict in the future.

Few, if any, of the contributors mention that Brexit will not just affect the north and south of Ireland, east and west relations with Britain or, indeed, the future of the EU and other regions lying beyond the EU borders that feel threatened by the crazy decision by Britain to turn her back on her European allies and their endeavours to achieve a better world.

My heart goes out to the wonderful people in Georgia, Armenia and the Ukraine, as well as the Balkan countries, where there is bewilderment that any member of the EU would be contemplating such a move when the threat from Putin and Russia has never been more serious.

It is, indeed, difficult to explain to someone living in, say, Tbilisi or Yerevan, what exactly the motivation is behind Brexit and how it relates to world peace and the retention of a union of countries that has done so much to break down borders, encourage travel and share with other nations new opportunities to make this a better world.

To date, the Republic of Ireland’s government has been passionate about the future of the EU, and in debates has reflected accurately the desire of the Irish people to remain part of the EU.

My colleagues in the SDLP share that passion and concern for our friends in those countries that have been unsettled by the actions of Britain and, sadly, her cronies here in the north, who lack the vision, or the foresight, to see the consequences of what they are involved in.

JOHN DALLAT (SDLP) MLA for East Londonderry