The Winners And Losers Of Brexit | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Winners And Losers Of Brexit

Who fared well from the vote and who suffered?

18
The Winners And Losers Of Brexit
IP Watch

In a week that gave us the historic referendum for the British to leave the European Union, we see the political climate shifting. Politicians on both sides of the aisle went all in on this vote and, like gambling, some won big and some lost it all.


Winners

Nigel Farage and UKIP

The relatively young party and their controversial leader have been working towards the United Kingdom's independence from the EU ever since their inception in 1993. Gaining substantial political ground in 2013, Farage and his party have been putting increased pressure on the Cameron government to leave the EU. In response, Prime Minister David Cameron promised an EU referendum in his election manifesto. Farage and UKIP have been campaigning hard for the "Leave" camp. Now, with both the EU and Cameron defeated, UKIP has the opportunity to capitalize on elections and government positions in the future.


Boris Johnson

The former Mayor of London with the Trump hair was one of the top Conservatives to revolt against Prime Minister Cameron and campaign for "Leave." Now, with Cameron's retirement announcement, Johnson is one person who could take over as Prime Minister. As outspoken, right wing, and controversial as Nigel Farage, Johnson is considered the favorite to take the top spot.


Other right wing leaders in Europe

The success of the "Leave" camp has inspired other far right politicians in Europe. In France, Marine Le Pen, the head of the far-right National Front party, led the call for a French leave referendum. Upon hearing the news, Le Pen tweeted, “Victory for freedom! As I’ve asked for years, we need the same referendum in France and in the EU countries."

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders is calling for a similar vote. Wilders, the founder of the far-right Dutch Party for Freedom, is currently running for Prime Minister of the Netherlands. If elected, he promises to hold a Dutch referendum. “We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy," he said in a statement. "As quickly as possible the Dutch need to get the opportunity to have their say about Dutch membership of the European Union."

Other countries thinking of leaving include Germany, Hungary, Austria, and Finland.


Losers

The European Union

Because the "Leaves" defeated the "Remains," the EU has the possibility of losing one of their most valuable countries. The United Kingdom is one of the top contributors to the EU, donating 12 billion pounds a year, of which it sees less than half in return. The United Kingdom is second only to Germany in contributions. Trade is also another hit that the EU will take. The EU is threatening to impose tariffs on British exports, which will hurt Britain. However, Britain has offered to return the favor, imposing tariffs which will cripple trade for countries like Germany, Italy, and Ireland. Add in the domino effect of other countries leaving and you have a gutted, bleeding European Union on the edge of collapse.


David Cameron

A year after being elected with a solid majority in Parliament, David Cameron is retiring his position as Prime Minister. David Cameron, despite promising to allow a EU referendum, was firmly in the "Remain" camp. He campaigned hard, throwing the full force of his government behind remaining in the EU. Leading up to and after losing the vote, many Conservatives lost faith in him and called for his resignation. It was a shame because Britain was recovering under his government and their leadership.


Jeremy Corbyn

The other side of the aisle is not fairing much better.

The Labour Party, under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, campaigned for Remain. However, his own party question how hard he campaigned. Corbyn is considered to be the most "Eurosceptic Labour leader in years" and so there are questions about his position. After firing Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn for reportedly trying to start a coup, several of his top shadow cabinet members resigned in protest. An embattled Labour Leader can't do much to capitalize on his conservative opponent's losses.

Notice that I did not put England in the winner or loser category. This is because things have yet to play out. Soon enough, we'll be able to see where they fit. Until then, both the winners and the losers will do what they can to better their countries and themselves.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13237
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5805
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4306
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3803
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments