Two weeks ago, I published my blog post regarding the post Brexit future for the United Kingdom in the CPTPP & CANZUK.
So there is an proposed idea of the CANZUK Union/alliance with 4 countries. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom = CANZUK.
Conservatives and Brexiteers support that proposed ludicrous idea with the UK having a Union with 3 fellow Anglosphere countries (Australia, New Zealand and Canada).
Let me tell you something. 🇬🇧🇨🇦🇳🇿🇦🇺
Before the 2016 Brexit referendum, I recall signing the CANZUK petition on Change.Org (which I regret for signing it, it was my mistake) & I was tricked into signing for that petition given I didn’t had a knowledge about that proposed idea of CANZUK Union so I removed my signature off the petition on Change.Org website.
Now why on Earth does Conservatives and Brexiteers support that the hypothetical idea as better alternative to the membership of the European Union?
Well TLDR News have two videos regarding about that ludicrous idea (CANZUK).
So why do I believe it’s a ludicrous? Here are my reasons.
1. Geography and trade
When it comes to geographic proximity and distance, the United Kingdom trade with the EU27 (whether Leavers like it or not, member or not member) because the UK’s largest trading partner is the European Union (trade volumes via imports and exports). The one that we had left the bloc last year (31st January 2020) & left the Single Market and the Customs Union by the end of last year 2020 (31st December 2020) when the 11 months of Brexit transition period was finished. The UK can sign many post Brexit trade deals with any country in the world but in the long run, it will not replace the EU as the UK’s largest trading partner.
Canada trades with the United States of America (world’s largest economy & superpower) because it is a neighbouring country (neighbor if you prefer US spelling) by land border & Canada is in the trade agreement with the US and Mexico under USMCA (United States, Mexico and Canada agreement which is basically NAFTA 2.0 = North American Free Trade Agreement. Like the original one with different updated provisions). So America is Canada’s largest trading partner.
And there is Australia and New Zealand. Both nations trade each other & they trade with China (world’s second largest economy) because China is a rising superpower politically and economically & that three countries (Australia, New Zealand and China) are in the Pacific region so that’s why China is Australia’s largest trading partner & New Zealand’s largest trading partner.
So geography matters. All four nations are in different geographical locations: UK in Europe, Canada in North America & OZ & NZ in Oceania. It’s about how nations are close they are geographically. I said the same thing on my previous blog post about the UK becoming an Pacific to join a trade bloc of 11 countries in CPTPP. mrlimitless95.blogspot.com
On top of it, all 3 countries have their own dollar (I do not mean US Dollar) as their own currencies (Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar and New Zealand Dollar) while the UK’s currency is Pound Sterling.
So how would be that possible for the boats with shipping containers coming from the UK to either three countries: Australia, New Zealand or Canada if CANZUK alliance is ever formed? Those who support the initiative should seek answers before proposing the idea of it.
Also even if CANZUK is formed, the 27 combined economies of the EU will still be larger than 4 combined economies of CANZUK. Competing with the EU27, China & the US economically in the world stage as an competitor & rival. Eurosceptics can dream on.
2. Freedom of movement, diversity and hypocrisy
I really don’t understand the logic from Eurosceptics. They talked about ending the freedom of movement from the European Union countries (except Ireland) which is mainly from Mainland Europe & as of 1st January this year, EU freedom of movement to the UK had ended. Yet prior to the end of the transition period, they want freedom of movement from three fellow Commonwealth countries (Canada, OZ and NZ).
If that is the case then what about other Commonwealth countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Guyana, Mauritius, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Kitts & Trinidad and Tobago? What I see this CANZUK alliance proposal is nothing but the rebranding of the British Empire. Why 4 white majority countries (UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia) of Anglo-sphere & not non white majority Commonwealth countries? Hypocrisy
Mainly, it has to do with economies & politics of members of the Commonwealth & that it wouldn’t be compatible with 4 combined economies of CANZUK countries. Despite there is multiculturalism in all 4 countries (which is good. Diversity is good), but to think about having CANZUK alliance with 4 Anglosphere countries & free movement between 4 nations & excluding non white majority Commonwealth countries from Africa, Asia & Caribbean, it just shows Brexiteers really wanted to relive the past & live in that era before the EU membership.
We have to remember the fact the UK was financially broke after Second World War, lots of British colonies had gained independence & the end of the UK’s role as the superpower (leaving both the US and USSR as two world superpowers in mid 50s) due to the Suez Crisis.
Guys, it’s 21st Century. Not 20th century or 19th century: so the government better think carefully of how to make the UK to succeed & prosper now that it is outside of the EU & not had that mindset of wanting to go back to the past with Britain’s nostalgic past of WW2 & the empire & all that stuff.
3. Language, sports & culture.
We know 4 countries speak the same language (English) and share the same British Monarch as the Queen is head of state of the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
However there is an French speaking Canadian province. Quebec so if there is going to be CANZUK Union in the future, that might be problematic because of the language.
And then there’s sports. UK sports is football (soccer), rugby, Tennis and cricket. Canada’s sports is hockey & American football. Australia’s sports is Cricket, Basketball, Rugby, Football & Tennis & New Zealand’s sport is Tennis, Cricket, Netball, Football and Rugby.
UK (particularly England), New Zealand and Australia participates in sports events like FIFA World Cup, the Ashes & Rugby World Cup. Football (soccer), Rugby & Cricket are not Canadian sports even it’s true Canada do take part but they aren’t successful as England, New Zealand or Australia. I am saying this because it is factually true.
My conclusion: CANZUK is no better alternative than the European Union 27.
Yes,four countries do have history, and that 4 countries are members of the Five Eyes security & intelligence alliance with the United States:
Unless if there is CANZUK Union in the distant future,I don’t see it happening & I do not want that to happen. It is a rubbish proposal that has been supported by pro Brexit politicians & Eurosceptic officials. Not in just one country (United Kingdom) but also in three fellow Anglosphere & Commonwealth countries (Australia, New Zealand and Canada). Talking about “Global Britain” given Britain never stopped being global when it was an member of the European Union.
I am glad that the political YouTuber talks sense about the unrealistic idea that Brexiteers & Conservatives are supporting. EU27 🇪🇺economy is bigger than UK, Canada, New Zealand & Australia. Post Brexit dreamworld - British empire 2
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