Talk: Ten Years On - Brexit and Britain's Political Future

Now, tonight was supposed to be the third in a run of three Meetups, back with London Social & Cultural Meetups (also advertised, again, with the London European Club) for a talk at the London School of Economics - this one was Ten Years On: Brexit and Britain's Political Future. But wouldn't you know, I was checking this afternoon - and I never registered for the talk! Lordy.. well, there was no doing it now - so I cancelled my attendance at the Meetup and headed for dinner at the Pommeler's Rest before the talk, which I could still access online.

The rain held off, and it was a gloriously sunny evening - I got a table just inside the door, where I could watch both the golden sunshine and the manic traffic. Had a nice meal, nice wine.. a second nice wine.. and reflected that one of the good things about not attending in person was that I had time to eat beforehand, rather than spending the better part of an hour just getting there. And I was hungry..

Got home just in time to turn on the video:

It wasn't what you might call critical of Brexit - I suppose that was to be expected. The speakers did raise a number of interesting points.. such as the fact that polls at the time showed a significant majority in favour of remaining in the EU if the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, came back with a decent deal - which he did not. Which, of course, begs the question of what they considered a "decent" deal, and how realistic it was..

Someone brought up the thorny question of how we are prejudiced against people who vote against us.. classic identity politics for our age. She also made a good point about how we adjust the facts to suit our own narrative - something we can all be guilty of.

Another pointed out how, although Britain has left the EU, they still adhere to their trading standards.. and how the people have voted for change again and again, but nothing happens - small wonder they're looking for alternatives!

I had to laugh when one of the panel wondered how people expected them to find the membership fee if Britain rejoined the EU. Well, where you always find it, right? By raising taxes and squeezing the middle class..

Another made the very good point that, if they hadn't already left the EU, there'd still be a call for them to do so.. the leavers wouldn't let it go. Nice jibe from one of the panellists, too, about the first-past-the-post system that currently sees a government with 34% of the vote hold 66% of the seats..

As to the Irish question - and specifically Northern Ireland - one audience member with an Irish accent, during the Q+A, made the astute statement that Ireland is not ready to answer the questions that Brexit posed. Whereupon one panellist lambasted the British government's "pig ignorance" about Northern Ireland, and the problems that would ensue there. Mind you, earlier, during the discussion, I had noted how one panellist had blithely noted that Continental Europe is much more pro-European than is Britain. Eh hello, so is Ireland, you know.. funny how it always seems to slip under the radar. Mightn't have come up at all if that audience member hadn't made a thing of it. I also found it baffling that another of the panellists just seemed to assume that Ireland would one day re-unify.. I remember an excellent article in an Irish newspaper once about all the things Irish people wistful about reunification hadn't considered.. like how the national anthem would have to change..

Well, so, the evening's discussion was more a whistle-stop tour of sundry opinions and theories than an in-depth discussion about anything - and much political talk dominated. But these things will happen..

The other great thing about watching it from home, of course, was I could run to the loo when I needed to. Sadly, apparently there was a free drinks reception afterwards, which I missed..

The next two days, I'm thinking of film - and what's coming up for tomorrow is Quo Vadis, Aida?, the Bosnia & Herzegovina entry for Best International Feature at the 2021 Oscars. It's the true story of a UN translator trying to save herself, her husband, and their son during the Bosnian genocide. Showing in the Lexi, Kensal Rise only.

Then, on Wednesday, the best looks like Tuner, about a piano tuner turned safe cracker. Closest evening showing to me is in the Everyman Broadgate.

On Thursday, back with CT for Magic Showcase, a magic variety show at The Magic Circle! Ooh, first time there..

Again, three days of Meetup follow - on Friday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for A Fine Idea at the Arcola. A play that looks into the motivation behind the global causes that inspire us.

On Saturday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpies - very glad to see that the issue with Meetup that required payment on signing up to an event has been fixed.. The tour is Wonders of the National Gallery.

And on Sunday, back with London Museums from A-Z (LoMAZ) for the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, due to open on Friday! Optional trip to the George and Monkey afterwards.

Next Monday, off with CT again to a play called Before I'm Dead at The Glitch. The story of a teenager with a terminal brain tumour, determined to record a eulogy while she has the chance.

On the 16th, back with UITCS for a flamenco show called UnYdos at Sadler's Wells. Eating at The Wilmington beforehand.

Next, two cheap ticket days. On the 17th, back with CT - which is playing a blinder - for Amores Pasados, a medieval concert with a modern twist, at St. Clement Danes. Performed by the Alternative History Quartet, regular-priced tickets from Ticket Tailor. I'm eating beforehand in Cote Covent Garden.

And on the 18th, back - at last - with TAC for more magic! This one is James Phelan: Showman, playing at Underbelly Boulevard.

Two more days of Meetup - on the 19th, I'm with The Hideout for Disclosure Day, in which Emily Blunt plays a TV weather forecaster who suddenly finds herself communicating in a strange, clicking language, which only Josh O' Connor finds he can understand. Colin Firth seems to play a bad guy, as per the trailer. Directed by Spielberg again.. Details TBA, but it'll be in Leicester Square, phew!

And the 20th is with LoMAZ, for a day in Hever Castle! We're to arrive at St. Peter's Church in time for a guided tour thereof by our accomplished organiser, then spend the afternoon exploring the castle, and its Capturing a Queen exhibition, focusing on what Anne Boleyn, whose childhood home this was, actually looked like. The castle is also hosting a Home Front 1940s exhibition - no thanks, don't think I'll take their invitation to dress up accordingly. Optional drinks afterwards, of course - and travel is convenient for me, with direct trains from London Bridge taking under an hour. Already booked my ticket with Uber, with which I had so much credit, it was nearly free..

Finally, on the 21st - I'm thinking of heading to see West End Live, the free performance snippets of West End shows, performed in Trafalgar Square.. always a good one!