Anger and tolerance don’t mix. Yet as a French citizen who moved to the UK more than a decade ago, I feel a bit betrayed and consequently, although not justifiably, angry.

I loved the idea of a united Europe that would lead the world in terms of environment, human rights and social justice, to show the way of a new “possible”.  I never was blind to the fact that the model developed was more economic than anything else but I hoped it would evolve toward a more social vision of the union of European Countries. The UK leaving is a blow to that dream.  I understand the fears that motivated this move but feel it’s a wasted opportunity for a more fraternal and environmentally friendly world.

Immigration is perceived as one of the main reasons why the UK is leaving but, like the rest of Europe, it needs migration for a variety of reasons (NHS, making sure the pension system doesn’t collapse, qualified and unqualified labour…) but maybe more to the point, a multicultural society is surely a good model for the future and far more fun than a completely and boringly homogeneous nation.