He hasn’t lived in England since the 1970s, so John Taylor had no say in whether his homeland remained in the European Union (EU).
But he certainly paid attention to Britain’s historic vote to leave the EU. And like many observers around the globe, the longtime Flin Flonner was surprised and disappointed by the result.
“I think this is a definite step backwards,” said Taylor, a Hudbay retiree who now drives a school bus.
“I think it’s a bad decision where people got carried away. I think they’re living in the past, some of these people.”
The British people’s June 23 decision – known as Brexit – means England will leave the EU, a politico-economic union representing 28 European countries, at a date yet to be determined.
The vote caused England’s currency to plummet and sparked fears of widespread economic damage. Brexit opponents worry how Britain will manage in negotiating trade deals as a nation outside the auspices of the EU.
Brexit supporters argue that Britain will be a freer nation without the EU and its multitude of economic and social regulations.
Some supporters disagree with EU rules that require Britain to accept all immigrants from other EU countries, saying this floods the job market and takes an important decision out of the hands of the British people.
Taylor said “there’s some pretty strong racist ideas floating around” among some Brexit supporters.
He added Britain has benefitted from EU membership and that Brexit supporters fail to recognize the advantages of being part of the union.
Taylor was born in Southampton, England and grew up in the London area. He relocated to Canada in 1975, moving to Flin Flon temporarily in 1976 and permanently in 1978.
