Prof Martin Daunton engages Scotch boys in Brexit

Professor Martin Daunton, from the University of Cambridge, presented a talk and engaged in questions on the topic of The History of Brexit. By explaining the situation following World War Two - with the British state being validated by the war, the strong trade links throughout the commonwealth (Australia alone took 12% of British exports in 1951), Britain's free trade in agriculture, unlike the subsidised farming adhered to in Europe - Professor Daunton indicated there was at that stage no need for Britain to join in a European Economic Community.

By the 1975 referendum, things had changed. Led by the Conservative party, the feeling was that Britain needed a wake-up call to become more competitive with what was being produced in Europe. The fear of a housewife having a bare cupboard (as articulated by Margaret Thatcher) led to reassurance that the Common Market would provide security.  Labour was hostile as it viewed the European Economic Community as a capitalist block. 

In the current state, with neoliberalism prevalent in the UK, the EU seems more controlling. Deindustrialisation and globalisation have changed employment and solutions have not been forthcoming. Austerity meant that those who needed welfare suffered. The better educated have benefitted from lower trade barriers and also appreciated immigration for its net benefit. There has also been a change in how people have identified their allegiance - with a shift towards Scottish, English and Welsh rather than British. Britain also believes it is well connected with other English-speaking countries with whom it can trade.

Professor Daunton conveyed the complexity of the situation, but through the historical lens, provided context and perspective.