Shambles in Europe

Make Britain Great Again

   Look for that slogan  to come up as the London government moves to leave the European Union and rebuild its status as the topmost reigning power in the world.
  The reality that those days have been gone for nearly a hundred years will have little effect on the nationalist push for power.
   There was indeed a time when the United Kingdom of Great Britain and its various colonies, territories, protectorates, etc. blanketed the world and the Union Jack was flown proudly in all these places.
   The flag is still flown in these countries, and the portrait of the monarch still shows on the currency. But that's a recognition of the status of the monarch as the titular head of state, even though the actual government is done locally as the former colonies, protectorates and territories gained independence.
   But what will happen to many of these smaller entities close to Europe as Brexit, as the EU leaving is called, nears reality?
   Many of these smaller units are not part of the United Kingdom, but they do enjoy the protection of the London government. Gibraltar may well be the most seriously affected, since Spain has long wanted to reclaim that rock at the Atlantic entrance to the Mediterranean.
   The people of Gibraltar have been just as determined in their desire to remain part of Britain, and they voted overwhelmingly to stay with the EU. But if the UK leaves the trading partnership and Spain stays in the EU, what will happen to Gibraltar?
   The Scots are reconsidering their options, one of which is whether to go for independence from London and stay with the EU. The people of Northern Ireland will have similar options -- full independence or joining the Irish Republic.
   If Gibraltar goes for independence, the temptation for Spain to forcibly take back the Big Rock is great. So far, the British have protected Gibraltar. Will they continue?
   The Isle of Man may not face as many geographic challenges, since it sits between the main island comprising Scotland and England to the East, and the island to the West that is home to the fully independent Republic of Ireland and the several counties of Northern Ireland that remain part of the UK.
   Then there are the Channel Islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney and Sark.
   They all benefit from the UK membership in the European Union, but if Brexit happens, they will have to choose between following London's lead and breaking off to form new relationships.
   Spain wants Gibraltar. Does France want the Channel Islands? The Scots and the people of Northern Ireland voted against Brexit, but were outvoted by the English and the Welsh. What do the Manx people want? Has anyone asked?
   Or do the English even care?