Brwned
Have you ever been in love before?
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2008
- Messages
- 50,848
In any given year you'll find many examples of the differences between the UK and the rest of Europe, often highlighted as a point of pride. In the last year there have been obviously some particularly striking examples, starting with the withdrawal from the EU, moving onto the UK taking a different approach to managing the pandemic in March, ending with the finalisation of Brexit.
The UK government have started this year again drawing the contrast by celebrating the fact they're winning the vaccine race over their European "friends". So while there's no shortage of similarities, there were plenty of differences to emphasise over the last 12 months.
So I wondered, if you see the UK as (substantially) different, do you see the UK as better? "Better" based on whatever criteria you use to judge a country's overall contribution to the world, to their members, whatever's important to you.
I was just thinking about it as I read this, and whether it resonates more broadly:
The UK government have started this year again drawing the contrast by celebrating the fact they're winning the vaccine race over their European "friends". So while there's no shortage of similarities, there were plenty of differences to emphasise over the last 12 months.
So I wondered, if you see the UK as (substantially) different, do you see the UK as better? "Better" based on whatever criteria you use to judge a country's overall contribution to the world, to their members, whatever's important to you.
I was just thinking about it as I read this, and whether it resonates more broadly:
Britain, christened not long ago by a pro-Brexit lawmaker as “Treasure Island” for the riches it offers, earned another moniker on Monday as a new variant of the coronavirus ripped through the country and set off blockades at its borders: Plague Island.
Kelly Merris, who is originally from Australia, said that talking to family and friends there made it clear just how much more recklessly Britain had handled the virus.
“I think the rest of the world looks at us and shakes their head,” said Ms. Merris, who had long ago canceled plans to return to Australia over Christmas. “It’s not a very nice thought to be on a plague island, and that other countries don’t want you.”
Her husband, Aaron McDonald, who is also Australian, said British exceptionalism had taken on a different meaning during the pandemic.
“The U.K. often sees itself as slightly different from the rest of the world and continental Europe,” he said. “Now we’ve distinguished ourselves in a not very good way. It’s very disappointing.”