I woke up this morning to the news that Britain has voted to leave the European Union in what will be remembered as an historic referendum. I’m still in a bit of a shock. As an Italian national, the news affect me directly. I don’t know what will happen to me and my family, or how and when.
I came to the realisation I’m not pro EU, nor against it. I don’t have enough information to decide if it’s in the best interest of this country to stay or to leave Europe. I have my opinions about immigration, taxation, NHS, freedom of movement, and all the other big and hot topics, but I don’t have the insight to fully understand (or predict) the effects of choosing one way or the other.
Britain will change, and in a sort of ripple effect, the rest of Europe will as well. Wild guesses had been made by the experts, but no one really knows what the future holds: this is an unprecedented situation.
The first time I visited England I was only 12 years old. I came here over summer to study English. I just fell in love with the people, with the places, and the culture. I returned home and, with the confidence that only a teenager can afford, I declared to my parents: “I will be moving to England when I grow up”. They laughed at me, of course.
Britain, in my eyes, was the Promise Land.
At first there was the music: The Cure, Joy Division, Clash, Sisters of Mercy, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, The Smiths, Stone Roses, just to mention a few. I remember trying to understand what they were singing about, spending hours translating every word. Their lyrics shaped what I am today.
Then came fashion: pictures of punks in Carnaby Street, the decadence of the goths, the unique style of Camden Town. It was so deeply different from what was popular in Italy! It wasn’t just fashion, it was a statement of values and ideals.
And literature: Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Sir A.C. Doyle, George Orwell, and so many, many others. I couldn’t stop reading these books, dreaming about these stories, letting those words – that I could barely understand – transport me to wonderful new places.
It was only when I finally moved here, 15 years after that first visit, that I truly started to appreciate the British people. Most of the people I met are friendly, open, good at heart, and welcoming. I became a better person because of the good examples around me. After no long, I started calling this country “home”.
Italy is still hiding behind its own fears: same-sex couples or single person cannot adopt, black people are still seen as aliens, same-sex couples kissing in public are considered obscene, a man who commits all sort of crimes can still lead the country…
I felt so privileged to live in Britain, a country ahead of times, vibrant, multicultural, and alive. This country gave me so much, and will always have a special place in my heart.
But today I woke up to a different Britain. I don’t feel welcomed anymore, and I worry about whether I’ve overstayed my welcome. At least, that’s what over 50% of the citizen in my town thinks.
I’m sure there is still greatness in this amazing land, but today I’m not sure I’ll be around long enough to still be a part of it.
Do not feel unwelcome. Immigrants will always be welcome. We cannot accommodate everyone and controlled immigration will ensure that you and your family can access the public services that you are entitled to.
Dear Del,
I welcome your comment, it’s honest and direct, although condescending. That’s why I want to be honest and direct with you myself.
This is what I think:
46 millions people were eligible to vote for this referendum.
32 millions people actually casted their vote.
17 million voted to leave the EU.
In just over 24 hours more than 2.5 millions people signed the petition demanding a second EU referendum, with an extra 100 thousand asking for London to declare independence.
I wonder how many people woke up this morning thinking that they might have made a mistake voting to leave the European Union.
Many have finally realised they have been misled, and put their trust wrongly in the hands of few unworthy leaders.
The Huffington Post, in a easy and brilliant way, explains it all: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/eu-referendum-leave-u-turns_uk_576e9c3ce4b08d2c56394817?9xlyl4efy784ims4i
I suppose you’re just not one of those.
This country will always welcome immigration, it always has, way before Europe. This is not about the English people turning their backs on Europe, this is about people having a voice to say “this is not right”. People who are worried need to remember the values, attitudes, beliefs of the British people, that will not change because of this vote. All those wonderful things remain and hopefully we can continue to build on them and develop even better relationships with the people of Europe.
Dear Nadine,
at the cost of sounding a bit slow, what do you actually mean when you say “this is not right”?
I have no doubt British people are wonderful people, but I cannot foreseen any good relationship with European citizens, coming from a vote that implies a breakup as starting point. I admire your sentiment, but have you wondered what the rest of Europe might think of this vote?
Personally I’m horrified that this vote has lead to such an outpouring of racism! I am very uncomfortable with the idea that anybody feels unwelcome here due to their heritage. I’m not sure how many English people are Anglo-Saxon through and through anyway (I’m not).
I was definitely in the remain camp and in fact wish the referendum hadn’t happened at all. I can understand your concerns, I hope they are unfounded.
The vast majority of the people I met in UK doesn’t mind me being Italian, and rarely I received nasty or racist comments.
The aftermath of this referendum is uncertainty, not only for immigrants in the UK, but for the whole country. Thanks for your comment and for sharing your opinion.