The consequences of Brexit could be dire - now, and in the future. But young people have known this all along.
Young people have known that Brexit signalled bungling up our future. This is why over 70% of us voted Remain in the referendum in 2016.
On the week we mark the beginning of the 365 day countdown to stop Brexit students and young people from across the country have launched For our Future’s Sake.
We believe that Brexit isn’t inevitable and that a people’s vote on the terms of the Brexit deal is the only way to stop it. And stop it, we must.
Because there is nothing socialist about making the working classes in this country poorer. There is little left wing about letting xenophobia and racism run free. Progressive values can’t be delivered if you shut yourself off from the world.
This is more than just about our relationship with the European Union. This is about how we view ourselves as a country, and the future of progressives across the UK and the world.
The membership of left leaning and liberal parties – across Labour, Liberal Democrat and Greens – agrees. No deal could be as good as the one where the people of this country can live, work, trade, retire, study and travel across this wonderful continent.
And as young people we grew up valuing that we can work, play, travel and study abroad with incredible ease. We knew then that our future jobs would be dependent on international organisations and trade. We still believe that keeping a continent from tearing itself apart is something worth fighting for. We still believe that world-beating environmental standards, as well as women’s and LGBT+ rights are principles worth fighting for.
The reality is that no matter what happens – from the worst economic predictions to just becoming harder to study or holiday abroad – young people will have to live out the consequences.
Young people are the most likely to be hit by an economic downturn in the short term, and more likely to be negatively impacted by climate change and human right’s abuses in the long term.
This should be a clarion call for all young people this country over.
We respect and understand the grievances that led to a Brexit vote. Wages have stagnated, austerity cut deep and the working classes forgotten. But we firmly believe that Brexit will make those problems worse, not better.
In a democracy, people should have the ability to change their minds. And the people who will be impacted by decisions should have their say. That’s not what is currently happening, which is why we believe in a people’s vote on whatever deal Theresa May shows us.
Research shows that by 2021 the British electorate will be 52:48 Remain. And by 2026 it will be 54:46 Remain as a result of rising education, ethnic diversity and generational change.
For us, Brexit is another kick in the teeth. That’s why so many young people want it stopped, and we why in FFS are campaigning for a people’s vote on the Brexit deal.
If we crash out of the EU in 2019, a whole generation of students who many have been too young to vote in 2016 will have been denied any say at all in the biggest question over the country’s future.
We don’t believe that Brexit is inevitable, and neither should you.
Richard Brooks is director of campaigns and media engagement for For Our Future’s Sake. He can be found tweeting here.
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