‘They suffered most but are kind people’

I HAVE just returned from Flanders in Belgium which had some of the worst of it in the First World War. That’s where the town of Ypres was devastated.

I listened for anything said about Brexit, but there was barely a word. Perhaps Britain no longer matters much across the channel.

I have little time for the leaders of the People’s Vote, whose contempt is clear for the poor unfortunates who voted the wrong way. But the sneering xenophobia of the press and politicians of the Leave campaign must make other nations feel it’s worth losing the UK.

Brexiteers like Boris Johnson seem as relevant to the world out there now as the cavalry were fighting battles in Flanders 100 years ago. There is hardly anywhere in England with people as helpful as in Antwerp. I twisted my knee on the stairs in the railway station and could hardly walk. Two gentlemen came to help at once. They were in the station because they were homeless, but they were gentlemen to me.

I think Belgium is a kinder country. Yet in all our remembrance of the First World War they have hardly had a mention.