The Observer Journal of 28 October 1990 polled greater than 1,000 folks about their attitudes to Europe with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in thoughts (‘Damned foreigners! What the Brits actually consider Europe’), and Simon Hoggart was readily available to make sense of all of it.
He famous we have been no less than adopting European delicacies at a gradual charge: ‘We drink Munich beer in bierkellers. We eat French pancakes in creperies. Tapas bars might be present in depressed industrial cities in addition to London’s West Finish… and the Eurofrite, so skinny and yellow, has virtually changed the British chip, which is chunky and brown.’
Folks over the age of 45, taking a look at Germany, France and Italy, noticed three losers within the struggle, mentioned Hoggart, ‘however the brand new era has a better regard for Europeans than their mother and father do.’
For the faultline that led to Brexit was there even then. ‘The nation was evenly cut up on whether or not a typical European passport ought to exchange the British passport – 45% for, 48% in opposition to.’
When the respondents have been requested, ‘Is Britain higher or worse off within the EC?’ 39% mentioned we have been higher off, and 37% mentioned we have been worse off.
If compelled to reside overseas, only a few selected Europe. By far the most well-liked selection was Australia, with Canada second and the US third. Hoggart reckoned ‘the affect of a sure cleaning soap opera could also be at work’.
The interviewees have been requested in the event that they knew overseas phrases for ‘newspaper’. ‘If a information of languages goes to be important for achievement after 1992, heaven assist the realm.’ Solely 16% bought journal. Two folks thought that the Spanish phrase was paella.
Alarmingly, 12% thought they must begin driving on the fitting. ‘It might be useful to know who they're,’ wrote Hoggart, ‘so we will avoid them – actually.’
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