Why Do Many Britons Living Abroad Support Brexit Without Planning to Return?
Living abroad now, I have a moderately sized circle of friends, some British. Not a single one of them voted for Brexit, and I am no exception. Although I now support Brexit, my personal worries that it would affect my life here have not materialized. In my first place, I voted Remain for selfish reasons. I have no intention of returning to the UK but enjoy spending summers there as the cooler temperatures suit me best.
Europeans in the UK and Their Stance on Brexit
Conversely, there are many EU citizens living in the UK who do not support Brexit but have no intention of returning to the EU. It is all too easy to express opinions but it's another matter entirely to examine them critically.
The British Diaspora: A Significant Population
The British diaspora comprises around 140 million people, while Britain itself has only 73 million citizens. Many Britons living abroad do not wish to return, and this is not primarily due to a lack of affection for their homeland. Supporting one's country's independence does not necessarily mean a desire to live there. Personally, I plan to move to Britain someday and am glad that Brexit happened. However, it is unfair to generalize; the sentiments of the entire diaspora are highly diverse.
An Analysis of Brexit Supporters
Research has shown that those who support Brexit tend to have specific personality traits. People with these traits often exhibit a tendency not to critically examine their opinions, allowing them to believe two contradictory things simultaneously. They may be hostile to 'economic migrants' coming to Britain yet simultaneously be economic migrants themselves. Similarly, they may believe Britain is a great power held back by bureaucratic Europeans but choose to live in a place run by those very Europeans.
The Authoritarians and Their Dilemmas
Some individuals supporting Brexit can be classified as authoritarians. Authoritarian individuals often have a rigid set of beliefs and are less likely to question or change their opinions. This can create a paradox where they support their country's independence from bureaucratic institutions while living in those very institutions. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of such people provides valuable insights into the broader narrative of Brexit supporters.
In conclusion, the reasons behind the support for Brexit by some Britons living abroad are complex and multifaceted. From personal motivations and life choices to broader psychological factors, these individuals represent a diverse and intriguing segment of the British population.