Dear Outties,
Firstly, we are sorry. Yesterday was tough for us. We feel that in choosing to leave the European Union, we have lost a bit of our soul. But we love you, and we want to work this out.
We know that not all of you are racist, xenophobic or stupid. Many of you are smart people, who took the responsibility of your vote seriously. Some of you were lied to. Either way, we know you want our nation to prosper just as much as we do.
Our fear is that in leaving the European Union, we will lose what makes Great Britain, great. Economics is not our primary concern, there is no doubt that we are a resourceful nation, our economy will almost certainly recover and may even become stronger. Time however, will be the ultimate judge.
We are sad because we feel that in leaving the European Union, we lose a part of our character, a part of what makes us British. We want to be part of a nation that is seen as welcoming diversity, supporting inclusion and showing tolerance. We want our younger generations to enjoy the same opportunities that we have enjoyed. We know that many of you feel the same way.
But we feel let down by a government who were elected to uphold these values. We feel that in their actions, they have encouraged communities, friends and even families turn against each other and lifted the lid on prejudice. And for what? We ask ourselves.
We believe our nation should support and welcome people trying their best, regardless of how they identify themselves. Our deepest concern is that as an independent nation, we will become an economic powerhouse and the losers will be our creative people, our less able and our vulnerable. In other words, we fear we may become a nation that judges people based on what they do – their economic output – and not who they are.
But we have big hearts, we always have. We welcome diversity and difference, which is why we won’t fall out over this. Yes, we are upset and we said some hurtful things. We are emotional, just like you. We are grieving, so please give us time to come to terms with our loss.
We will continue to show you our compassion, our acceptance and our belief that things will come good in the end. We will work together with open minds to settle our differences in peace. We will work tirelessly so that all our values are represented in a new nation, however it may look.
We believe that you too, may grieve. In time, if the things you were promised aren’t delivered we will be there with compassion to support you, we won’t judge. We will stand by your side.
We are hurting, but we are hopeful. We have always accepted diversity. Today is no different. We have always accepted others for who they are, not what they do. Today is no different. We have always hoped for a better future for our children, where they can love whoever they want to love and be who they wish to be, in a world without prejudice and hate. These things will never change.
We will be here for you if you need us, but for now, here’s a hug… we’ve got work to do.
Regards,
The Innies.