Gary's views

Gary's weekly views

Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here

The Euro

Whenever I speak to sixth-formers I try to get a snapshot of how the next generation is thinking. Last week I asked a group of sixty local pupils whether they would vote yes or no to the euro. I had not set out my view in advance, not tried to brainwash them in any way. Over 75% voted no, without hesitation.

Are you surprised? I wasn’t, because every time I have conducted the same straw poll with 16 to 18 year olds it produces the same result. Overwhelmingly against Britain joining the euro.

I appreciate that my “hands up then” approach is hardly scientific, and subject to peer group pressure and parental influence. Maybe, but it keeps happening, the same result, and I would like to know why. After all, this is the generation of exchange visits, e-mail friendships, Internet chat rooms and a global perspective, isn’t it? Almost all of these young people are taken on holiday to the mainland most summers. Surely, these youngsters should believe in a more integrated world where national characteristics fade into the background and we all become one in some glorious European Utopia, citizens of the world. Well it would seem not.

There are people out there who think that it is inevitable that the EU will gradually evolve into a single entity, acquiring all of the characteristics of a country called Europe. They say it is the natural sweep of history. I say that they do not understand human nature and have not read their history books properly.

National identity is important to almost all of us, and it is no different for the next generation. They do not think of themselves as Europeans, but rather British. There is no sign of that changing.

And the lesson I draw from history is that there is an ebb and flow in the tide of integration, not a progressive march towards ever-closer union. The lesson from the USA and Germany is that where there is a common language and culture, integration can be sustainable. The lesson from other parts of the world, including the Balkans, is that patriotism is a force that will not die.

There has been a rising tide towards assimilation on the continent for the past fifty years. I predict that this will continue for a while and then recede. And in that rediscovery of national identity and pride the next generation will lead us. Something to look forward to.

posted by Nigel on Thursday, October 09, 2003