British conservatism hit a new low when it exited from the European Union.
The “marriage” that saw the English somewhat reluctantly maintain relations with its European partners gave way to an electorate wanting economic autonomy.
With prime minister David Cameron himself in favour of inclusion, the shock wafer-thin result also means loss of confidence in his premiership, which has resulted in him throwing in the towel.
The British are very much European in culture, although geographically it had its umbilical cord severed from the rest of Europe. It never felt at home.
Its retention of the sterling when all went for the euro, its conservative nature, its history of colonial glory – all gave the English a distinct feature that made it want to go through it all on its own.
This move away from the EU is no different – it just wants to remain British.
Yet, the idea of a small island nation breaking away from a political union with its neighbours smacks of a rather misguided form of post-imperial arrogance.
Outsiders believe that Brexit cannot restore the supposed greatness and splendour of the British Empire
AR Modak, South Africa
Britain's decision to leave the EU will lead to an economic isolation of the country in an era of globalisation (Brexit leaves Europe in shock and fearing further breakaways from the EU, June 25). The EU membership had many advantages for the UK, including free movement and economic opportunities for Britons.
The interesting aspect, however, is the voting pattern. Northern Ireland, Scotland and London voted against Brexit. The country is clearly fractured and divided. It is also unfortunate that the UK has lost a pragmatic prime minister like David Cameron.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
After the Second World War, the UK was not central to Europe's stability (Britain votes to leave EU, June 25). So, your last claim is grossly exaggerated. In fact, I would worry more about the effects of Brexit on all those British assets held by Gulf entities.
Tim Eestermans, UK
In reference to HA Hellyer’s opinion piece As Europe’s view shrinks, we must be expansive (June 24), every day in the UAE schoolchildren sing the national anthem.
The national flag is sacrosanct and National Day reflects the extreme devotion of the people to the Government and leaders. Is nationalism such a bad thing?
Keith Carroll, UK
“Extreme nationalism” is quite deliberately an inflammatory terminology. Why is it extreme to wish to retain national culture and pride? It’s not.
Having lived in the UAE for many years, I feel this country sets an excellent model for welcoming foreigners, while retaining national pride and protecting national culture. The citizens must be content first, must retain their identity, to nurture mutual respect.
National Day here is a wonderful celebration – one in which foreigners join in. In the UK, nationals have been told on countless occasions that British flags should not be hung.
The EU could learn much from the UAE.
Sus Con, Abu Dhabi
Why the noise over climbing?
I really don't understand the hype linked to climbing a mountain (The first Emirati climbing team to scale Mount Everest, June 25). Is it me?
I’d rather see people climb to the top in education, health care, innovation, women’s rights, human rights and disease prevention. Those things matter. A mountain by any other name is just a mountain.
Name withheld by request
I congratulate the Emirati team of mountaineers. It rocks.
Abdullah Ali, Sharjah