Nick Clegg on Brexit regret and what Britain does next | 10 Years of Brexit Pt 2

Key Concepts

• Brexit: The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, viewed as a deeply personal and damaging event by the interviewee.
• European Identity: The concept of a shared European identity rooted in history, peace, and cooperation, contrasting with purely economic considerations.
• Sovereignty: The debate surrounding sovereignty, with the argument that Brexit has ultimately reduced rather than increased British control.
• Populism & Elite Projects: The dynamic between populist movements capitalizing on public grievances and elite-driven political agendas.
• Economic Impact of Brexit: The significant negative economic consequences of Brexit, exceeding initial predictions.
• Future of the EU: The need for substantial reform within the European Union to ensure its survival and relevance.
• Tech Sovereignty: The importance of developing a strong and independent European tech sector to avoid reliance on US and Chinese dominance.

The Profound Disappointment of Brexit and the Future of Europe: A Conversation with Nick Clegg

This transcript details a lengthy conversation with Nick Clegg, former Deputy Prime Minister of the UK and prominent Liberal Democrat politician, focusing heavily on his perspective on Brexit, its consequences, and the future of both the UK and the European Union. The discussion also touches upon his career trajectory and recent experiences in the tech industry.

Brexit: A Personal and National Tragedy

Clegg expresses deep and enduring sadness over Brexit, characterizing it as a “tremendous amount of damage” to the UK. He views Brexit not merely as a discussion about trade or the single market, but as a fundamental question of identity – whether the UK sees itself as a European nation. His personal connection is underscored by his multilingualism (French, Dutch, German, Spanish) and family background (Dutch mother, half-Russian father, Spanish wife). He argues that the EU represents a “triumph of peace over war,” particularly in the context of a continent historically marked by conflict.

He highlights the scale of the economic damage, citing research from the National Bureau for Economic Research in the US indicating a 6% hit to national wealth – significantly higher than the 4% predicted by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). He equates this impact to the scale of the 2008 financial crash, suggesting two monumental economic setbacks within a decade.

The 2016 Referendum: A Failed Campaign and Misunderstood Public Sentiment

Clegg recounts his experience campaigning for Remain during the 2016 referendum, noting his belief at the time that the UK would ultimately vote to stay. He attributes the Leave campaign’s success to its emotionally resonant “take back control” slogan and its effective linking of Brexit to the migration crisis, exemplified by the use of distressing images in the Daily Mail and other tabloids. He criticized David Cameron’s campaign as overly technocratic and lacking emotional appeal, failing to counter the Leave campaign’s narrative.

He observed a surprising level of skepticism towards Remain even in constituencies expected to strongly support it, suggesting a disconnect between the political elite and public sentiment. He shared a conversation with Cameron where he urged a more emotionally compelling message, but his advice was largely dismissed.

The Rise of Populism and the Elite Origins of Brexit

Clegg argues that Brexit was not a grassroots movement driven by popular demand, but rather an “elite project” orchestrated by conservative politicians and newspaper proprietors. He contends that Europe was an “obsession for parts of the political and media elite,” and that the referendum was held primarily to manage internal divisions within the Conservative Party. He emphasizes that the British public generally did not prioritize Europe as a key issue, focusing instead on concerns like the NHS, crime, and jobs.

He points to the demise of the Liberal Democrats as a key factor enabling the Conservative Party to hold the referendum, suggesting that a continued coalition government would have prevented it. He also criticizes the Remain campaign for failing to understand and address the underlying grievances driving the Leave vote.

The Labour Party’s Misguided Focus and the Need for Honest Debate

Clegg is highly critical of the Labour Party’s post-Brexit strategy, accusing them of focusing on austerity and fiscal policy rather than acknowledging the fundamental shocks of the 2008 financial crisis and Brexit itself. He argues that this is an “intellectually dishonest” and “politically inept” approach that prevents a genuine debate about the country’s future. He believes that both the Conservatives and Labour have avoided a candid discussion about the true causes of the UK’s current problems.

The Future of Europe and Tech Sovereignty

Clegg believes the European Union is in a precarious state and requires “dramatic change and reform” to survive. He advocates for a focus on core priorities like economic prosperity, defense integration, and technological innovation. He envisions a future where a reformed EU, including Ukraine, would be an attractive destination for the UK to rejoin. He stresses that the decision to rejoin will depend more on the EU’s internal transformation than on the UK’s current situation.

He expresses deep concern about Europe’s technological dependence on the US and China, warning that the continent risks becoming a “museum” if it doesn’t invest in its own tech sector. He highlights the need to support European entrepreneurs and innovators and create an environment conducive to scaling up successful technologies. He points to the dominance of American tech companies in everyday life – smartphones, operating systems, cloud storage, AI – as evidence of this dependence. He argues that the transatlantic relationship has fundamentally changed, particularly with the rise of Donald Trump, and that Europe must prioritize its own technological sovereignty.

Notable Quotes

• “Brexit… it’s done us a tremendous amount of damage.” – Nick Clegg, expressing his deep disappointment with the outcome of the referendum.
• “The European Union was never just the thing that was sold to the British people… it was a triumph of peace over war.” – Nick Clegg, emphasizing the historical and political significance of the EU.
• “If you go into politics, you should start whining all the time if your opponents do better than you.” – Nick Clegg, offering a pragmatic perspective on political competition.
• “We’re now more a drift than we’ve ever been… in the last 300 years.” – Nick Clegg, describing the UK’s diminished influence post-Brexit.

Conclusion

Nick Clegg’s perspective offers a deeply critical assessment of Brexit, viewing it as a self-inflicted wound with far-reaching consequences. He emphasizes the importance of European identity, the failures of the Remain campaign, and the need for a more honest and comprehensive debate about the UK’s future. He advocates for a reformed European Union and a renewed focus on technological sovereignty, warning that Europe risks falling behind in the global tech race. His insights provide a valuable and nuanced understanding of the complex challenges facing the UK and Europe in the post-Brexit era.