The United Kingdom is on the verge of having its very own Donald Trump scenario. That is to say that what was previously thought to be impossible may now become a reality. The possibility of the British voting to leave the European Union, which has become known as ‘Brexit’, is now just as legitimate as the surge in support for Donald Trump in the United States. The massive increase in support for populist politics throughout the western world can be attributed to many things, but most notably it can be attributed to what is perceived to be an out-of-touch, bureaucratic establishment. As a result, people across Europe and America have begun to abandon mainstream political parties for groups with a more ideological focus.   

Prime Minister David Cameron has called for the referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU to be held on June 23, 2016. This gives the British people just under four months to make a decision that could have a massive impact on Europe and the global economy. Cameron, of the center-right Conservative Party, has voiced support for Britain’s remaining in the European Union, although many in his party and Cabinet have chosen to back the “out” campaign. For example, the conservative and flamboyant mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has decided to vote to leave the EU. Nearly all mainstream center-left parties (Labour, Greens, Lib Dems, SNP and the Welsh Nationalists) favor the UK remaining in the EU. However, a significant portion of the voting base of these parties favor leaving. The possibility of Britain leaving the European Union comes as a major victory to the right-wing populist UK Independence Party (‘Independence’ from the EU), which is now the third largest party in Britain in terms of support.

As populist appeal rises in nations like France, the UK and the US, mainstream political parties are struggling to cope with change. The campaign to remain in the EU is resorting to fear tactics, centered on potential trade deficits and the decline of British power. The campaign to leave the EU has embraced a more positive campaign based on regaining national sovereignty, controlling Great Britain’s borders and creating a more democratic society.

As far as endorsements go, I personally believe that the British should recognize the European Union for what it is: a corporatist sham which seeks to rid nations of their sovereignty and national identity. The free movement of peoples within the EU has put severe stress on the infrastructure of western European nations, and has also led to the stagnation of wages. Many claim that remaining in the EU is essential for the UK to maintain a trading relationship with Europe. I would argue, however, that the British are not only losing trading power within the EU, but are also being systematically commanded by European bureaucrats. There is no reason why the UK couldn’t maintain a trading relationship with Europe, just as the US and China currently have with the EU. The European Union is also a detriment to democracy. Presently the European Parliament and Commission create 70% of the laws within the UK. The idea of reduced national sovereignty and an increasingly globalized overseer should frighten all patriotic Brits.

The EU is an outdated and destructive force in Europe, and the opposition to it represents a growing discontent with the establishment across Europe and America. The Trump effect is not isolated, and is spreading quickly. One can only hope that the British voting to leave the EU will show the bureaucrats that they can no longer take advantage of ordinary people throughout the western world.