Friday, July 14, 2017

Imperial Glory won't return

Britain Empire was at the height of imperial glory with pre-eminent commercial and naval power. Britain was the Hageman of the world. They had acquired many colonies and acquired more colonies in Africa during Victorian era (1871-1901), created vast wealth and opportunities. But the unrest in India, Borer War in South Africa, economic and social problems at home due to losses in two world wars and hegemony threats from UA and Prussia have pulled it down from the glory of past. The empire that was so extensive that there was always at least one part of their territory that was in daylight, therefore, the phrase "the empire on which the sun never sets"; but their good old days have gone forever.

After the World War II, The European Union was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. Britain was not included when the precursor to the EU was formed following World War II, but finally joined the group known at the time as the European Economic Community (EEC), on January 1, 1973 to avoid it's economic decline. With the logo, United in Diversity, EEC was converted into European Union  (EU) in 1993 with an aim of uniting 28 countries of Europe with free movement of people, goods, services and capital within internal market with common policies of trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. Passport controls have been abolished and monetary union was established. Euro became their official currency. Britain continued with EU but with the separate currency pound and separate visa proceedings.

With EU, the opened door of UK was flooded from the migrants of less developed countries of Europe (Ramania, Bulgaria, Hungary, etc), mainly from Eastern Europe. Asians were very much there due to colonial rule. As a result, population of London went up and prices of land, buildings and services rose up. The cost of living shoot up made the life of common men difficult. Unless they work more hours, won't sustain their quality of life. Some British sold their properties in London and moved to the outskirts areas. The ruling party and some people started believing that their problems are because they membership in EU. They went for referendum. Therefore, against the assessment of David Cameroon government, the referendum went against UK union with the EU and Briton exited. The luckiest PM became unlucky by losing the referendum. Now the migrants are demanding for their rights of PR, education, health, work, benefits, etc, in UK. And their native countries are in support of their demands. They are young lot, a good workforce and contributing in the GDP of the UK. And UK old citizens living in other European countries are adding into their liabilities. There is a threat from some of the European companies established in U.K. that they may exit UK. The negotiations is going to be very tough. What will happen to UK economy is the biggest question confusing the British community a lot and they are searching for a right answer to resolve the it. Till date, the economic parameters are maintained and pound has retained it's value. The policy makers are searching the ways to reduce the load of social benefits. Some people worry more about their politicians who are ill equipped to negotiate with strong European Union after the Brexit. Some people still feel that English wisdom will find out their ways to maintain British advantage over Europe. With the exit of European Companies and people, their people will have better opportunities of growth within the country. But what is the strength? The ground realities suggests the Briton won't return to the glory of their good old days. Sun sets for them the same like others.

Briton was the Hageman of the world before the WW-II. US enjoyed the status of hageman for 6 decades. And now China is the new hageman of the world, has pose the challenges before the world for coming 4-5 decades. It's neighbours, Prussia and India, with US may be the check and balance over China. But Briton has to accept the reality of the world of 21st century that their Imperial glory won't return.

Punamchand
13 July 2017
Cambridge

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