For some odd reason Britons are regarded by most of the world as a highly polite people, as individuals who like to line up (queue) and discuss controversial issues over tea and biscuits.
As someone raised in the United Kingdom, let me tell you this perception is inaccurate.
In fact, the archetypal British social occasion is best encapsulated either in rambunctious chants at a rainy soccer match or intoxicated behavior in the rain outside of a dreary nightclub. Or, in 2019, in passionate, aggressive showdowns over the prospect of Brexit. It is that latter concern that motivated the British head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, to call for greater civility on Friday. As the queen put it:
Those are necessary words. Whether outside the Houses of Parliament or on television, Britons are increasingly hostile in their discussions over what shape Brexit should take, or whether Brexit should be canceled entirely. It’s a relevant concern in that Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit withdrawal agreement with the European Union was recently rejected by the House of Commons. This has opened space for other members of Parliament and commentators to suggest their own alternative Brexit plans.
Because these various alternatives pay differing regard to concerns such as the future economy of Britain, its sovereignty, and issues such as immigration, passions are high. The queen sees it as her most solemn duty to temper these passions. As the physical incarnation of the British constitution, the monarch is supposed to be above and beyond politics per se. She is supposed to be the anchor of the British ship when political storms or military conflict or a national crisis arise.
Still, it’s not clear that the queen will be able to calm many Britons here. Unless and until some compromise is found that can earn the confidence of the House of Commons, the jockeying over Brexit will continue. And along with it, the inevitable hostility.
