Brexit’s Enduring Legacy: A Search for Revenge and Understanding
Seven years after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, the reverberations of Brexit continue to shape British politics and society. Beyond the economic and logistical challenges, a deeper current of resentment and a desire for retribution appear to be driving forces, according to analyses of the period. This sentiment, described as a “grand politics of imaginary revenge,” suggests that the initial impetus for Brexit wasn’t simply about concrete change, but about striking back at perceived elites.
The concept of “imaginary revenge,” drawn from the work of Friedrich Nietzsche, posits that those who feel powerless often find solace in symbolic victories rather than tangible improvements to their lives. Nietzsche argued that this type of vengeance is boundless, as it can never truly be satisfied. This dynamic, observers say, is playing out in the aftermath of the 2016 referendum, with both proponents and opponents of Brexit finding themselves locked in a cycle of discontent.
While former U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to thrive on the ongoing turmoil created by his political project, even after leaving office, the situation presents a challenge for current British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Johnson, it is argued, initially capitalized on the desire for revenge felt by two distinct groups within English society: affluent conservatives and former industrial workers. He successfully united them in their shared frustration with what they perceived as a cosmopolitan and liberal establishment.
The roots of this discontent are complex. A recent book, *The New Snobbery*, by David Skelton, explores the reasons why working-class voters in northern England supported Brexit, despite facing what the author describes as “disdain and even abuse” from political, cultural, and business elites. Skelton’s work, which informed the Conservative Party’s successful strategy in the 2019 election, suggests a deep-seated sense of alienation among a segment of the population that felt overlooked and undervalued.
The search for understanding surrounding Brexit extends to examining the motivations of those who initially called for the referendum. Michael Ashcroft and Isabel Oakeshott’s biography, *Call Me Dave*, offers insight into the actions of former Prime Minister David Cameron, the politician who initiated the Brexit process. The book reportedly provides a detailed look at Cameron’s relationships and the factors that led him to call the referendum.
However, seven years on, questions remain about whether anyone has truly achieved what they wanted from Brexit. Chris Grey, in his book *Brexit Unfolded*, argues that the outcome was largely predetermined, with neither side able to realize their initial expectations. Grey contends that the meaning of Brexit only became clear through the events that followed the referendum, and that the initial promises have largely dissolved, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
The enduring impact of Brexit is also reflected in the reactions to recent political developments. Following the publication of a report related to alleged breaches of lockdown rules, some prominent figures who campaigned to remain in the EU, including Lord Heseltine and Dominic Grieve, reportedly welcomed the findings as a form of retribution against former Prime Minister Johnson. This response underscores the continued animosity and the lingering desire for accountability among those who opposed Brexit.
The debate surrounding Brexit continues to be a defining feature of British political life. As the country navigates the challenges and opportunities of its post-EU future, understanding the underlying motivations and the enduring sense of resentment will be crucial for forging a path forward. The phenomenon of “imaginary revenge” suggests that simply addressing the practical consequences of Brexit will not be enough; the deeper emotional and psychological factors must also be acknowledged and addressed.
