Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe and Brexit expert, joins the discussion on the fifth anniversary of Brexit. They reflect on its massive implications for the UK and the Tory party's decline amidst various leadership crises. Menon examines why Labour avoids the topic, the complexities of rejoining the EU, and the novel considerations of a radicalizing Europe. The conversation humorously touches on which EU country to expel if Britain were to rejoin, as well as concerns about AI's role in shaping our writing and identity.
01:07:29
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Naive Expectations
Brexit was expected to be softer initially, but the "control" narrative demanded a harder approach.
The naive expectation of a softer Brexit stemmed from a misunderstanding of the campaign's core message.
insights INSIGHT
Failed Persuasion
Remainers and the Second Referendum Brigade's scorched earth policy eliminated moderate Brexit options.
Labour's opposition to Theresa May's deal, despite aligning with their Brexit goals, highlighted the reassertion of party politics.
insights INSIGHT
EU's Strength Post-Brexit
The EU is weaker without the UK's resources and differing ideology.
However, the UK's absence has enabled the EU to pursue integrative measures previously impossible.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Imperium is a narrative that spans several decades, beginning with Kapuściński's childhood memories of the Soviet occupation of Poland in the late 1930s. The book follows his journeys across the Soviet Union, including his travels on the Trans-Siberian Railway and through the Central Asian and Caucasus republics. Kapuściński describes the brutal measures used by the Soviet regime, the psychological effects on the people, and the eventual collapse of the empire. He reflects on the post-colonial sociology of the regions, the rise of nationalist sentiment, and the complexities of decolonization. The book is a poignant and evocative account of life within the Soviet Union, highlighting both the horrors and the resilience of its people[2][3][5].
The Wager
David Grann
The Wager by David Grann tells the gripping story of the HMS Wager, a British warship that met its tragic end during the War of Jenkins' Ear. The book delves into the harrowing experiences of the survivors who endured months of isolation on a desolate island, facing hunger, illness, and interactions with indigenous inhabitants. After constructing a makeshift vessel, the survivors embarked on a perilous journey to Brazil and Chile, only to return to England with conflicting stories of mutiny, treachery, and murder. Grann's narrative explores the nature of truth and the power of stories, using firsthand accounts to recreate the events and their historical significance. The book also examines the broader context of British imperialism and the moral compromises made by the crew and the empire[1][3][5].
Headshot
Headshot
Rita Bullwinkle
It’s five years this week since we left the EU. Isn’t everything going brilliantly? Special guest Anand Menon of UK In A Changing Europe joins us to assess the many, many achievements of Global Britain. Has Brexit changed Britain irrevocably? What destroyed the Tory party: leaving the EU, Liz Truss or Boris Johnson’s own hubris? What’s the real reason why Labour won’t touch this issue? And what happens if a radicalising Europe stops looking like such a secure place to rejoin after all?
Plus, in the Extra Bit for Patreons: should we stay strong and not let AI “improve” our writing?
• Support us on Patreon for ad-free listening and much, much more.
Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Hannah Fearn and Marie le Conte. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.
Oh God, What Now? 
