Britain has very little in common with its European neighbors. Its system of Government, until Tony Blair came along, was one of leaving the people alone so long as they didn't interfere with other people and the smooth running of the state. This contrasts with the interventionist policies in the rest of Western Europe, where less experienced democracies feel they have to tell their citizens what to do, whether it is useful, relevant or important.

British culture is different to our neighbors. We believe in standing strong when something is right. We believe in a level playing field. We believe in freedom of the individual. We don't get angry until someone pushes us too far. We have a sense of humor that allows us to laugh at ourselves. We are tolerant. None of these attributes can be applied to the rest of Europe.

The problem with the European Union is that most of its members have similar mentalities, so Britain has developed a siege mentality. We believe the rest are out to get us, to change our way of life, to rid us of things that we have enjoyed for centuries. We feel there is a them and us. We are resented. The rest of Europe think we are old-fashioned, always harking back to the glory days of Empire. Nothing could be further from the truth. But this animosity has driven us away from peoples who should be our natural friends and allies. Instead, we have more in common with Anglophile nations such as America, Australia and Canada.

Europe has kilos, kilometers and euros, where we understand pounds, miles and pounds. They drive on the right, we drive on the left. So much is so different between us. We accept their way, but they want to change us. Why? What difference can is possibly make to people in Paris, Milan or Berlin how we live our lives? If we are happy that way, why should they care about changing us?

The EU was originally set up as a group of trading partners. The Treaty of Rome laid out terms for what was then the Common Market. Britain had to fight to get in - the French really did not want us in their club. Despite helping save the nation against Nazi Germany, they saw us as a threat. They didn't want someone who could take trade away from them! We finally got in and were assured it was all to do with better trading opportunities. We betrayed our Commonwealth by looking to Europe rather than them. And then, all of a sudden, things change and it has become a system of Government. Laws made in Europe override laws made in Westminster.

We certainly don't need Europe. I doubt they need us either. If we left the EU - PLEASE! - it would still be our biggest trading partner. But we could get back to being British again.

Learn more about this author, Phil Hill.
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