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How To Stop Brexit - And Make Britain Great Again
Keep calm – but do not carry on. There is nothing remotely inevitable about Brexit – except that it will be deeply damaging if it happens. Extricating Britain from Europe will be the greatest challenge this country has faced since the Second World War. And as negotiations with the EU expose the promises of the Brexit campaign to have been hollow, even some Brexit-voters now wish to exercise their democratic right to change their mind, seeing that the most pragmatic option is to … stop. It would certainly be the best thing for Britain. But how can it be done? Haven’t the people spoken?
No. In this indispensable handbook, Nick Clegg categorically debunks the various myths that have been used to force Brexit on Britain, not by ‘the people’ but by a small, extremely rich, self-serving elite, and explains precisely how this historic mistake can be reversed – and what you can do to make sure that it is.
No. In this indispensable handbook, Nick Clegg categorically debunks the various myths that have been used to force Brexit on Britain, not by ‘the people’ but by a small, extremely rich, self-serving elite, and explains precisely how this historic mistake can be reversed – and what you can do to make sure that it is.
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2017
21 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Nick Clegg
19 books19 followersNick Clegg is the former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He was also Leader of the Liberal Democrats 2007-2015, Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hallam 2005-2017 and Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands 1999-2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 18, 2017
Essential reading for thuse of us who want to stop the stupidity of Brexit
October 17, 2017
A well argued, pragmatic call to arms that challenges the view that Brexit is inevitable. This book should particularly rouse those who support Labour or the Conservatives who still believe that Britain’s membership of the EU matters.
October 13, 2017
Not so much a book as a long article, but well worth the read. As ever, Clegg makes sense!
December 7, 2017
One day in the not so distant future, Nick Clegg will in my opinion become considered as one of the most well-balanced & fair-minded politicians we've ever had.
This is a well-argued piece which unpicks the farce which is Brexit. The will of the people must be respected. The people voted for an unachievable fantasy. The will of the people is changing.
This is a well-argued piece which unpicks the farce which is Brexit. The will of the people must be respected. The people voted for an unachievable fantasy. The will of the people is changing.
January 16, 2018
Disappointed in this book... The "How to stop" bit only comes right at the very end. The ENTIRE rest of the book is dedicated to the reasons why we need to stop it, and all the potential catastrophic consequences of Brexit, which, frankly left me depressed, disheartened, and ready to slit my wrists :-(
If you read this hoping for a shining light or for an inspirational call to arms you need to skip to the end. The rest is just too depressing .... HOWEVER, that said, it is very educational and only enforces the viewpoint that to leave the EU will do immense self harm to the U.K.
If you read this hoping for a shining light or for an inspirational call to arms you need to skip to the end. The rest is just too depressing .... HOWEVER, that said, it is very educational and only enforces the viewpoint that to leave the EU will do immense self harm to the U.K.
October 27, 2017
I stumbled across this book after hearing Nick Cleggs' interview on BBC Five Live, with Emma Barnett. He spoke well and frank about what Brexit means for our children.
Great read on the fiasco that is Brexit.
I'm not a Nick Clegg supporter, and some may say that this short and concise book is ill timed and too critical, after Clegg losing his seat.
It's argument is erudite, with the basis of what Brexit was sold as, isn't being peddled now.
A great read for 'the person on the street'.
Great read on the fiasco that is Brexit.
I'm not a Nick Clegg supporter, and some may say that this short and concise book is ill timed and too critical, after Clegg losing his seat.
It's argument is erudite, with the basis of what Brexit was sold as, isn't being peddled now.
A great read for 'the person on the street'.
December 12, 2017
Nick Clegg continues as a man for the country instead of for any particular party and that is refreshing.
October 20, 2017
When I first used Goodreads I used to agonise about what to rate things, eventually deciding that all my star ratings would be based entirely on how much *I* liked the book, not trying to work out if it was good by any other standards of criticism. This book made me agonise a bit again, because 3 hours of someone saying "You were right the whole time about possibly the biggest issue of the day! And we can fix it!" is a pleasant use of anyone's time. So I'm giving it 5 stars. It is a good book, but not as flawless as maybe that suggests.
The book is split into two parts: why Brexit is bad and what we can do to either stop it, or at least avoid the worst of it. Through the first half Clegg does a lot of nods to Brexit voters and tries to say he understands their concerns while rebutting them, which seems odd because I can't see how many are reading it, though I assume it's more to give his readers arguments and to let them confirm what they already thought.
The second half is a call to arms in campaigning, advising readers in what they can do to make their voices heard. In what I'm surprised hasn't attracted more controversy, he calls for readers to join the political party they vote for, especially if it's Labour or the Tories, and apply as much pressure from within as possible. It is probably the winning strategy just from a pure realpolitik point of view, but it's also not exactly something without controversy in British politics, and would be almost unprecedented.
I'd advise anyone British or who feels they have a stake in Britain to read the book. Then again, I've been banging on about how awful Brexit is for a year and a half, so I probably could have told you that before I read it.
The book is split into two parts: why Brexit is bad and what we can do to either stop it, or at least avoid the worst of it. Through the first half Clegg does a lot of nods to Brexit voters and tries to say he understands their concerns while rebutting them, which seems odd because I can't see how many are reading it, though I assume it's more to give his readers arguments and to let them confirm what they already thought.
The second half is a call to arms in campaigning, advising readers in what they can do to make their voices heard. In what I'm surprised hasn't attracted more controversy, he calls for readers to join the political party they vote for, especially if it's Labour or the Tories, and apply as much pressure from within as possible. It is probably the winning strategy just from a pure realpolitik point of view, but it's also not exactly something without controversy in British politics, and would be almost unprecedented.
I'd advise anyone British or who feels they have a stake in Britain to read the book. Then again, I've been banging on about how awful Brexit is for a year and a half, so I probably could have told you that before I read it.
January 28, 2018
Clear and convincing argument for why we can and must stop Brexit - and how. How many this will convince is open to question - but I feel fired up after reading this, so that ripple effect could be powerful.
January 14, 2018
Yas queen!
I liked this a lot: it's a great justification of why we should take back the initiative from the brexit elite as well as a practical guide for how to.
I liked this a lot: it's a great justification of why we should take back the initiative from the brexit elite as well as a practical guide for how to.
February 18, 2018
I normally avoid books written by politicians, but decided to pick this up. This book tells you how to do what it says on the tin. It is not written to provide a balanced neutral account of the pro and cons of Brexit, not designed to get people to think carefully about issues in a reflective way. Instead, it appeals solely to the anti-Brexit tribalist, to those who view political issues as religion. If you are anti-Brexit and you do not care about whether it's good or bad, only about winning, you will like this. Anybody else should avoid this book. I did learn a few things from it, though.
March 9, 2018
To save anyone the trouble, Clegg's views summarised:
How to stop Brexit - Engage in the political process.
How to make Britain Great again: Re-join the EU.
Other than a slightly vague hypothesis regarding different circles of influence within a reformed EU, largely a collation of the points of view that could be found in the guardian. For free.
How to stop Brexit - Engage in the political process.
How to make Britain Great again: Re-join the EU.
Other than a slightly vague hypothesis regarding different circles of influence within a reformed EU, largely a collation of the points of view that could be found in the guardian. For free.
February 19, 2018
Concise. Packed with facts. Easy to get through in an afternoon.
Optimistic and urgent (Nick Clegg is, after all, a politician).
Utterly fair in its assessment, never dismissing the concerns of Leave voters. Never arrogant.
A useful source for every non-expert in the #StopBrexit movement.
'How To Stop Brexit' accepts that historically the UK has had an uneasy and less than enthusiastic relationship with the EU. It explains how this came to be and also explains exactly why much of what the Leave supporters blame the EU for is due to UK policies and law ie our own political misjudgements. The various exemptions or concessions that the UK fought for, as well as the UK influence on the positive development of the EU over the years is laid out. I learned from this book that only the UK gets a rebate! I simply had no idea this was something unique to us. I thought perhaps all countries that needed subsidies proportionately less, got a rebate too.
This little book names nine heavy euro-sceptic bank rollers of the Leave campaign and their hefty donations. Arron Banks was the only familiar name for me.
Finally, there are common sense suggestions for getting politically active either by joining the Labour or Conservative party and exerting 'Stop Brexit' pressure or by acting politically outside of party politics. Even so, for the average citizen who isn't an activist of any kind, the suggestions are a road map which are otherwise less than obvious.
The author of 'How To Stop Brexit,' believes that by August 2018, pressure for Reversing Brexit must create a tipping point. He explains why. But either way, if you are on the fence, now would be a good time to jump off as time is short.
Nick Clegg, former Deputy Prime Minister, tells us in his introduction that the book's message is aimed at the average citizen who is open to reconsidering the Brexit course, rather than EU experts and the die hard supporters of the EU or of Brexit. I would add that this is also a good book for frustrated Leavers who are perplexed at the stubborn insistence of some Remainers to fight Brexit all the way. It is not only a book for people who might be having second thoughts. Many who voted Remain and are appalled at the ongoing lack of confident direction for Brexit feel resigned. Often we forget that much can be done besides the occasional opportunity to vote and the daily opportunity to grumble. Clegg is urging each of us to action, to swallow pride and avert disaster.
Clegg even proposes negotiators to help decide how to go forward after securing the brakes on Brexit. 'How To Stop Brexit' isn't a joke, it's a citizen's handbook for getting started on stopping the half-blind bus ride off the cliff edge.
Optimistic and urgent (Nick Clegg is, after all, a politician).
Utterly fair in its assessment, never dismissing the concerns of Leave voters. Never arrogant.
A useful source for every non-expert in the #StopBrexit movement.
'How To Stop Brexit' accepts that historically the UK has had an uneasy and less than enthusiastic relationship with the EU. It explains how this came to be and also explains exactly why much of what the Leave supporters blame the EU for is due to UK policies and law ie our own political misjudgements. The various exemptions or concessions that the UK fought for, as well as the UK influence on the positive development of the EU over the years is laid out. I learned from this book that only the UK gets a rebate! I simply had no idea this was something unique to us. I thought perhaps all countries that needed subsidies proportionately less, got a rebate too.
This little book names nine heavy euro-sceptic bank rollers of the Leave campaign and their hefty donations. Arron Banks was the only familiar name for me.
Finally, there are common sense suggestions for getting politically active either by joining the Labour or Conservative party and exerting 'Stop Brexit' pressure or by acting politically outside of party politics. Even so, for the average citizen who isn't an activist of any kind, the suggestions are a road map which are otherwise less than obvious.
The author of 'How To Stop Brexit,' believes that by August 2018, pressure for Reversing Brexit must create a tipping point. He explains why. But either way, if you are on the fence, now would be a good time to jump off as time is short.
Nick Clegg, former Deputy Prime Minister, tells us in his introduction that the book's message is aimed at the average citizen who is open to reconsidering the Brexit course, rather than EU experts and the die hard supporters of the EU or of Brexit. I would add that this is also a good book for frustrated Leavers who are perplexed at the stubborn insistence of some Remainers to fight Brexit all the way. It is not only a book for people who might be having second thoughts. Many who voted Remain and are appalled at the ongoing lack of confident direction for Brexit feel resigned. Often we forget that much can be done besides the occasional opportunity to vote and the daily opportunity to grumble. Clegg is urging each of us to action, to swallow pride and avert disaster.
Clegg even proposes negotiators to help decide how to go forward after securing the brakes on Brexit. 'How To Stop Brexit' isn't a joke, it's a citizen's handbook for getting started on stopping the half-blind bus ride off the cliff edge.
May 3, 2020
Arguments set out precisely and crisply, making a difference from the usual bombast and bluster from Labour and Conservative MPs. Clegg is obviously strongly in favour of the European Union, but he is no ideologue, rather the case put forward is pragmatic and sensible. Whilst it is far too late to do anything about the UK leaving the EU, what has been set down in this book could still end up being used in future debates in future decades. I have no doubt that whilst brexit itself has taken place, our relationship with the European Union is far from being a closed book.
November 3, 2018
I urge everyone concerned about Brexit to read this book. (Ignore the jingoistic subtitle.)
Short and exceptionally well written. How refreshing to have someone actually put forward pragmatic suggestions of what could be done to get Britain out of its current predicament.
Nick Clegg starts with the UK's history and explains where the fierce independent attitude came from. Why and how it eventually became a late joiner to the EEC. He gives an objective view (in my opinion) of the huge problems the EU is facing.
But his opinion is that Britain would be better off staying inside the EU. He reminds the reader of things that have already gone sour for Britain just over a year after the 2016 referendum. The book contains a long list of references to back him up.
There is a chapter in which he breaks down many false pro-Brexit arguments one by one. For example:
And then there is a bulleted list of some very wealthy and influential businessmen who have been backing Brexit and why they are doing it. The first on the list is quoted as saying: 'we will be insecure again and insecurity is fantastic'.
For those who now think that the best thing is to 'just get on with it', he reminds us of how incompetently the current government has handled the process so far. Again he backs up his claims with examples.
In the penultimate part of the book Clegg explains the options that we, the electorate of Britain, have if we want Brexit to be stopped. He gives precise instructions of options one can take, depending on how politically active you are able, or willing, to be. It all boils down to putting a lot of pressure on the current MPs, to vote down the deal they are presented with. The bit that may come as a surprise to people is that he is not canvassing for his own party. He just urges that people become engaged and how they can do so.
And then finally Clegg doesn't just leave it there. Say Britain stays in the EU, what then? Well, he provides the outline of a plan on how both the EU and Britain could sort themselves out. He even suggest his preferred candidates to take on the negotiations. Read the book! You may be surprised to find out who he has in mind for the job.
I really do admire Nick Clegg. He lost his parliamentary seat in the snap 2017 general election. But the way democracy works in practice doesn't mean that the good people are always voted in and the bad ones stay out. Having lost his seat, it may well be that he is now free to put the interests of his country above those of just his party. I'd like to think that. He does strike me as a man with genuine integrity. That he could produce such as a good book, in such a short period of time, speaks volumes by itself.
This book is so short and I marked up so much of it, that it was hard to write a review. I felt like I just wanted to quote the whole book.
I can also highly recommend Ian Dunt's Brexit: What the Hell Happens Now? for more details about the complexity of the Brexit process and the options for an alternative relationship between the UK and the EU.
Short and exceptionally well written. How refreshing to have someone actually put forward pragmatic suggestions of what could be done to get Britain out of its current predicament.
Nick Clegg starts with the UK's history and explains where the fierce independent attitude came from. Why and how it eventually became a late joiner to the EEC. He gives an objective view (in my opinion) of the huge problems the EU is facing.
But his opinion is that Britain would be better off staying inside the EU. He reminds the reader of things that have already gone sour for Britain just over a year after the 2016 referendum. The book contains a long list of references to back him up.
There is a chapter in which he breaks down many false pro-Brexit arguments one by one. For example:
Just look at how the worlds largest nations have reacted to Brexit. Since the referendum the leaders of two of the world's most significant new powers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Xi Jinping of China, have visited Europe ... Neither has come to the UK since the Brexit referendum. Both Xi and Modi know that it makes more sense to do business with a major bloc rather than with an isolated nation.
And then there is a bulleted list of some very wealthy and influential businessmen who have been backing Brexit and why they are doing it. The first on the list is quoted as saying: 'we will be insecure again and insecurity is fantastic'.
For those who now think that the best thing is to 'just get on with it', he reminds us of how incompetently the current government has handled the process so far. Again he backs up his claims with examples.
In the penultimate part of the book Clegg explains the options that we, the electorate of Britain, have if we want Brexit to be stopped. He gives precise instructions of options one can take, depending on how politically active you are able, or willing, to be. It all boils down to putting a lot of pressure on the current MPs, to vote down the deal they are presented with. The bit that may come as a surprise to people is that he is not canvassing for his own party. He just urges that people become engaged and how they can do so.
And then finally Clegg doesn't just leave it there. Say Britain stays in the EU, what then? Well, he provides the outline of a plan on how both the EU and Britain could sort themselves out. He even suggest his preferred candidates to take on the negotiations. Read the book! You may be surprised to find out who he has in mind for the job.
I really do admire Nick Clegg. He lost his parliamentary seat in the snap 2017 general election. But the way democracy works in practice doesn't mean that the good people are always voted in and the bad ones stay out. Having lost his seat, it may well be that he is now free to put the interests of his country above those of just his party. I'd like to think that. He does strike me as a man with genuine integrity. That he could produce such as a good book, in such a short period of time, speaks volumes by itself.
This book is so short and I marked up so much of it, that it was hard to write a review. I felt like I just wanted to quote the whole book.
I can also highly recommend Ian Dunt's Brexit: What the Hell Happens Now? for more details about the complexity of the Brexit process and the options for an alternative relationship between the UK and the EU.
November 9, 2017
More of a pamphlet than a book as such - and 'of the moment' - yet timeless in its advice:
If you want to influence a political process, you have to get involved. Armchair commentary is not enough. And no, you don't have to go as far as run for office. But you do have to engage with elected officials if you want them to do something different.
That said, this brief book does more than that. Nick Clegg super-summarises British history to give a context for the predicament(s) that Brexit has introduced.
Including some of the paradoxes - to pick just three from the panoply:
Taking back control vs. sharing risk
Clegg eloquently explains why a country might participate in such arrangements (treaties):
"International, multilateral institutions … invite nation states to make a trade - off: To pool and therefore cede some sovereignty in a controlled way, to prevent a greater loss of sovereignty in an uncontrolled way, through for example military conflict or economic decline."
For context, the UK is, as of November 2017, party to some 14,000 treaties: gov.uk/guidance/uk-treaties - some going as far back as the 1700s. In fact, Danelaw was in many ways a treaty arrangement - but I digress.
Free trade vs. reality
"David Davis had promised that Britain would be part of a free - trade area ‘almost twice the size of the EU ’ within two years of the Brexit vote – a statement outdone in its absurdity only by Mr Davis' later boast of negotiating a trading area ‘probably ten times the size of the European Union’. Based on GDP, Davis is aiming for something larger than the economies of the entire planet combined. So it can’t happen."
vs. the earlier Conservative standpoint:
"Thatcher urged British business to embrace this new open market with a ‘positive attitude of mind’ and to throw themselves into the ‘ direct and unhindered access to the purchasing power of over 300 million of the world’s wealthiest and most prosperous people’."
For context: the EU now has 500 million people... and the world's largest single market.
Freedom of movement
"Many European politicians are baffled about why Brexiteers blame the rest of the EU for an approach to freedom of movement that is largely of our own design."
vs. the availability of "... an optional seven-year brake on the free movement of workers from the new member states." which "Only the UK, Ireland and Sweden did so, while everyone else kept restrictions in place."
For the avoidance of doubt: I am in favour of freedom of movement.
The book closes out with practical steps one can take to speak up and speak out. If you are ready for that, you might also find these titles useful:
You're More Powerful than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen
How to Resist: Turn Protest to Power
If you want to influence a political process, you have to get involved. Armchair commentary is not enough. And no, you don't have to go as far as run for office. But you do have to engage with elected officials if you want them to do something different.
That said, this brief book does more than that. Nick Clegg super-summarises British history to give a context for the predicament(s) that Brexit has introduced.
Including some of the paradoxes - to pick just three from the panoply:
Taking back control vs. sharing risk
Clegg eloquently explains why a country might participate in such arrangements (treaties):
"International, multilateral institutions … invite nation states to make a trade - off: To pool and therefore cede some sovereignty in a controlled way, to prevent a greater loss of sovereignty in an uncontrolled way, through for example military conflict or economic decline."
For context, the UK is, as of November 2017, party to some 14,000 treaties: gov.uk/guidance/uk-treaties - some going as far back as the 1700s. In fact, Danelaw was in many ways a treaty arrangement - but I digress.
Free trade vs. reality
"David Davis had promised that Britain would be part of a free - trade area ‘almost twice the size of the EU ’ within two years of the Brexit vote – a statement outdone in its absurdity only by Mr Davis' later boast of negotiating a trading area ‘probably ten times the size of the European Union’. Based on GDP, Davis is aiming for something larger than the economies of the entire planet combined. So it can’t happen."
vs. the earlier Conservative standpoint:
"Thatcher urged British business to embrace this new open market with a ‘positive attitude of mind’ and to throw themselves into the ‘ direct and unhindered access to the purchasing power of over 300 million of the world’s wealthiest and most prosperous people’."
For context: the EU now has 500 million people... and the world's largest single market.
Freedom of movement
"Many European politicians are baffled about why Brexiteers blame the rest of the EU for an approach to freedom of movement that is largely of our own design."
vs. the availability of "... an optional seven-year brake on the free movement of workers from the new member states." which "Only the UK, Ireland and Sweden did so, while everyone else kept restrictions in place."
For the avoidance of doubt: I am in favour of freedom of movement.
The book closes out with practical steps one can take to speak up and speak out. If you are ready for that, you might also find these titles useful:
You're More Powerful than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen
How to Resist: Turn Protest to Power
October 11, 2019
Nick Clegg was the British Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition government before the Conservatives won power in their own right and wrecked the country. If you mention his name, many vilify him for the iniquitous £9,000 a year tuition fees that students are now forced to pay. The vilification is a touch unfair however, as tuition fees were introduced by a Labour Government and it was the Conservatives who wanted to put them up to £9,000 a year. Clegg, a Liberal Democrat, failed to gain a commitment to scrap them in the coalition agreement, so it must be all his fault! Such are the vaguaries of British politics.
In this book he argues that Brexit is not irreversible, and provides a blueprint for how it might be reversed if the people turned against it. He also argues that the EU itself would have been willing and could still be willing to compromise on freedom of movement principles if the UK remained within.
This is not just wishful thinking either. Clegg is a Europhile and a polyglot. He has a Dutch mother and a Spanish wife, and speaks both those languages fluently among others. He understands Europe and the EU. He knows the key players across the continent and has been a part of the British government. He knows what he is talking about.
Interestingly in this book he also shows he understands something so much better than so many modern politicians. Brexit is a cross party crisis that is destroying our country and cannot be fixed by slavish regard to the old party divides. The most pressing issue of our times is not a good reason to boost a particular party. Rather, Brexit must be stopped by whatever means possible, and to that end, here is a book by the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, suggesting people join the Labour party, or if their politics don't allow that, then the Conservative party!
If nothing else, that shows you how deep his conviction is that Brexit must be stopped, for the sake of Britain and also for the benefit of Europe as a whole. In this book he provides practical ideas for how everyone can play their part in making that happen.
In this book he argues that Brexit is not irreversible, and provides a blueprint for how it might be reversed if the people turned against it. He also argues that the EU itself would have been willing and could still be willing to compromise on freedom of movement principles if the UK remained within.
This is not just wishful thinking either. Clegg is a Europhile and a polyglot. He has a Dutch mother and a Spanish wife, and speaks both those languages fluently among others. He understands Europe and the EU. He knows the key players across the continent and has been a part of the British government. He knows what he is talking about.
Interestingly in this book he also shows he understands something so much better than so many modern politicians. Brexit is a cross party crisis that is destroying our country and cannot be fixed by slavish regard to the old party divides. The most pressing issue of our times is not a good reason to boost a particular party. Rather, Brexit must be stopped by whatever means possible, and to that end, here is a book by the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, suggesting people join the Labour party, or if their politics don't allow that, then the Conservative party!
If nothing else, that shows you how deep his conviction is that Brexit must be stopped, for the sake of Britain and also for the benefit of Europe as a whole. In this book he provides practical ideas for how everyone can play their part in making that happen.
December 1, 2017
Now hear me out. I am the first person in the 'hit Nick Clegg in the balls with an oversized vegetable in the ball sack' queue normally, but I have to give props to the guy for this. It may not (and probably won't) ignite a revolution in what is and has been for many years, a lazy populis, but it a great little history/overview of the carbuncle that is Brexit and a very welcome call to arms and guide to activism, in the Mark Thomas vein even. The message is that we can still stop Brexit. I wish that was true and even feasible, but its not. Good effort though, Master Clegg.
February 21, 2024
I thought it'd be best to start educating myself on Britain's probably most concerning topic in the last decade, and its still ongoing effects, now that I'll actually be able to vote.
Published in 2017, could definitely sense the urgency in this as it was the final chance for people who regretted their vote to leave to take action.
Many reviews have said that this could have been condensed. But each section was vital in understanding the wider context as the majority of voters had little awareness of the greater long term consequences.
Published in 2017, could definitely sense the urgency in this as it was the final chance for people who regretted their vote to leave to take action.
Many reviews have said that this could have been condensed. But each section was vital in understanding the wider context as the majority of voters had little awareness of the greater long term consequences.
October 20, 2017
British politics can be refreshing, creative, and inspiring. That's demonstrated in this fine book by Nick Clegg - especially in Chapter 4, "Making Britain Great Again"
August 12, 2018
I strongly suspect that in five years we'll look back on this book, bang our foreheads on the desk and cry 'how could we be so STUPID! They lied to us.'
May 21, 2018
I found this a bit disappointing and confused - even though, as someone who would prefer to 'remain', I expected to like it.
The bulk of the book is a rehash of reasons why Britain should remain in the EU, most of which were evident at the time of the referendum but a minority of which have become apparent since. There is then a section where Clegg sets out what appears to me to be a wholly illogical set of positions and actions required to stop Brexit from occurring.
For example, Clegg argues that the referendum was essentially unfair because the result of a 'leave' vote was not clear in advance. He now advocates for a second referendum with a clear 'leave' deal on offer, but then bizarrely suggests that a 'remain' vote would result in a commission to re-evaluate and re-negotiate the UK's place in the EU - therefore, the very same charge about a lack of clarity of sequelae previously associated with the 'leave' campaign then becomes problematic for the 'remain' campaign.
In another section, Clegg suggests that 'remainers' need to do a better job at reaching young people through social media, specifically name-checking Instagram repeatedly for some reason. He believes that the 'leave' campaign did this more effectively in the referendum. But this runs counter to his entire thesis that the outcome was determined by older voters who are disproportionately influenced by the murky 'media elite'.
Clegg says repeatedly that the 'will of the people can change', and presents this as a reason for a second referendum - yet appears to suggest that a victory for a 'remain' campaign would more or less settle the issue. I didn't follow that logic. He also suggests that the mood has changed because a number of recent polls show a narrow margin for 'remain' over 'leave' - either forgetting or ignoring that the majority of opinion polls in the years prior to the referendum campaign were in favour of 'remain'.
So, all things considered, I didn't think I got much from this book. At least it was short.
The bulk of the book is a rehash of reasons why Britain should remain in the EU, most of which were evident at the time of the referendum but a minority of which have become apparent since. There is then a section where Clegg sets out what appears to me to be a wholly illogical set of positions and actions required to stop Brexit from occurring.
For example, Clegg argues that the referendum was essentially unfair because the result of a 'leave' vote was not clear in advance. He now advocates for a second referendum with a clear 'leave' deal on offer, but then bizarrely suggests that a 'remain' vote would result in a commission to re-evaluate and re-negotiate the UK's place in the EU - therefore, the very same charge about a lack of clarity of sequelae previously associated with the 'leave' campaign then becomes problematic for the 'remain' campaign.
In another section, Clegg suggests that 'remainers' need to do a better job at reaching young people through social media, specifically name-checking Instagram repeatedly for some reason. He believes that the 'leave' campaign did this more effectively in the referendum. But this runs counter to his entire thesis that the outcome was determined by older voters who are disproportionately influenced by the murky 'media elite'.
Clegg says repeatedly that the 'will of the people can change', and presents this as a reason for a second referendum - yet appears to suggest that a victory for a 'remain' campaign would more or less settle the issue. I didn't follow that logic. He also suggests that the mood has changed because a number of recent polls show a narrow margin for 'remain' over 'leave' - either forgetting or ignoring that the majority of opinion polls in the years prior to the referendum campaign were in favour of 'remain'.
So, all things considered, I didn't think I got much from this book. At least it was short.
April 13, 2020
This book is unnecessarily long in my opinion. Could’ve been useful for my Politics A-level if I had actually read it in 2017 when I bought it. By page 20, I was sick and tired of reading how great Britain is, and how much of a core EU player it has been, and oh let’s not forget its great historical achievements, etc etc. Afterwards, it was just extremely repetitive and could easily be summarised by “Britain good, Brexit bad.” I honestly can’t quite believe that Nick Clegg really thought that his suggestions on how to stop Brexit, as well as his vision of Britain’s possible future position in the EU, could actually work. I’m sorry to have to break this to you, hun, but Hannah Montana lied to us, you can’t actually have ‘the best of both worlds’.
My favourite part was towards the end when he quoted Macron on why the people voted for Brexit: “What did Brexit play on? On people from eastern Europe who came to take British jobs....” Oh yes, because Josephine from Surrey who’s dad is in the RAF and who goes to a private boarding school’s dream job is to pick apricots in the summer for below minimum wage. Just @ me next time.
Also, Nick, if I have to read the phrase ‘concentric circles’ one more time istg.....
My favourite part was towards the end when he quoted Macron on why the people voted for Brexit: “What did Brexit play on? On people from eastern Europe who came to take British jobs....” Oh yes, because Josephine from Surrey who’s dad is in the RAF and who goes to a private boarding school’s dream job is to pick apricots in the summer for below minimum wage. Just @ me next time.
Also, Nick, if I have to read the phrase ‘concentric circles’ one more time istg.....
November 17, 2018
This books provides a very clear (albeit quite basic) insight into the situation surrounding the Brexit Referendum and its aftermath. Clegg sums up his own arguments for what he feels should be done next and how the country should move forward in a very engaging and well argued way.
Whilst this book is incredibly well researched, and the arguments that are put forward have all been made based on this foundation of research, people who already have quite a well developed knowledge on the subject (or those whole already have very hard set views on either side of the issue) may find this book to be one that will do very little for them. This is made clear at the beginning of the book and it doesn't pretend to be something it's not, but I felt like this needed to be made clear for anyone considering the book.
Overall, I think this book is great for someone looking for a well researched and argued beginner insight into the Brexit situation; however, anyone beyond this stage may be better off giving this book a miss.
Whilst this book is incredibly well researched, and the arguments that are put forward have all been made based on this foundation of research, people who already have quite a well developed knowledge on the subject (or those whole already have very hard set views on either side of the issue) may find this book to be one that will do very little for them. This is made clear at the beginning of the book and it doesn't pretend to be something it's not, but I felt like this needed to be made clear for anyone considering the book.
Overall, I think this book is great for someone looking for a well researched and argued beginner insight into the Brexit situation; however, anyone beyond this stage may be better off giving this book a miss.
January 20, 2018
A great little book to raise the spirits in these dark times.
More like a long Pamphlet than a book it gives a brief history of Brexit an overview of the political climate at the time of the referendum and an update on events since that time.
All of which is very useful in reminding us of all that has happened... as always; we live in interesting times.
The solution, according to Clegg and as seems to be currently gaining traction, is that a second referendum is required once the deal has been established so that everyone can determine whether they really do want to leave once they know what the full implications are. The method suggested is to join either of the main political parties and start lobbying for such an event.
If nothing else this does cheer me up in hoping that we're not going to be in the vanguard of countries that are dismantling western political stability. What we all need now is more equality and more unity... stand-by...
More like a long Pamphlet than a book it gives a brief history of Brexit an overview of the political climate at the time of the referendum and an update on events since that time.
All of which is very useful in reminding us of all that has happened... as always; we live in interesting times.
The solution, according to Clegg and as seems to be currently gaining traction, is that a second referendum is required once the deal has been established so that everyone can determine whether they really do want to leave once they know what the full implications are. The method suggested is to join either of the main political parties and start lobbying for such an event.
If nothing else this does cheer me up in hoping that we're not going to be in the vanguard of countries that are dismantling western political stability. What we all need now is more equality and more unity... stand-by...
December 16, 2018
This isn't as much a book as much it is a pamphlet, a fact that Clegg himself readily acknowledges. If you wanted, you could probably read the whole thing in two hours, maybe less if you're a fast reader. It is well written and referenced with sources which is a bonus. Nick Clegg writes eloquently dispelling misconceptions around Britian's membership of the EU. It is a great shame, that these arguments weren't shared during the flawed referendum of 2016.
I have to say that the author is overly sanguine. He says the silver lining of Brexit is that, the referendum has instilled a need to reform the EU for fear of further departures. Clegg says, it is likely that the EU will evolve into a satellite model, whereby member states will be organised into concentric circles with varying levels of alignment with the EU. A nice idea, though sadly this appears to have been ruled out by Michel Barnier. Clegg talks about why it is right to stop Brexit, namely the myriad of lies peddled by the Vote Leave campaign and its affiliates and also that democracy is not a one time event: people are allowed to change their minds in the face of new evidence, similar to buying a dodgy appliance and returning it later.
Examining the lies, it was the high priestess of the Tory party Margaret Thatcher herself, who was instrumental in creating the single market. Something which Brexit supporters deride, yet they idolize the Iron Lady. The author argues that Britain has held a position of great privilege and influence within the EU. The UK is not in the Schengen area, has a rebate, a veto, it is not in the Eurozone and it did not sign up to all 130 of the EUs Justice and Home Affairs laws. Far from being a vassal with no say. People often argue that, when we joined the EU in 1973, it has since morphed into a gargantuan, overarching, faceless, bureaucratic machine. They forget that throughout the decades that the UK has been setting the agenda for the policy changes that have led to the EU today. Something which domestic political parties have often boasted about in their manifestos (reform of common agricultural and fishing policies, cross border cooperation of foreign policy and terrorism, trade, expanding the EU to name a few).
On immigration, he says businesses have benefited from access to EU workers, who would otherwise face shortages of skills and labour. The change in local jobs and wage levels are small and they in fact make a net contribution through the taxes they pay. The UK was one of only three countries that did not delay free movement following EU expansion, which has led to greater immigration than in surrounding countries. So the government was the source of the so called 'uncontrolled migration' rather than the EU. All too often migration into the EU has been conflated with migration within the EU, largely thanks to populist opportunists. There is a design flaw within the EU: removing internal borders within the Schengen area while failing to fix eternal ones, is not working. Flaws in freedom of movement are due to failures of domestic government (open labour markets, no residence checks, universal access to healthcare), which can be alleviated by following examples in countries like Liechtenstein and Germany.
Dominic Cummins, a former government advisor, says he doesn't think the referendum would have had the outcome it did, if they hadn't lied about giving the NHS £350m per week on exiting the EU. They lie about being a grassroots anti-establishment operation, where they are actually backed by billionaire's and come from positions of privilege themselves. There were also lies about Turkey joining the EU following a remain vote.
Later, he then sets out an impressive strategic action plan through 'pressure, argument and passion', of how to stop Brexit: i) Visit your MP monthly ii) Attend local party meetings iii) Attend party conference and table motions iv) write to Jeremy Corbyn v) If necessary walk away. On the Tory side: i) Join the party ii) Challenge Brexit MPs in remain seats iii) Vote in the leadership contest iv) Go to the party conference v) Write to Theresa May. More generally: Persuade 5 friends and neighbours, join a campaign group and use social media (e.g. Peoples Vote), mobilise with other volunteers, mobilise your union and demonstrate.
On making Britain great again, he's talking about the UK's future relationship with the EU. Rightly he says that things cannot stay the same in light of the Brexit vote, with reform to freedom of movement being a priority. Quite a bold proposal is a coalition of John Major and Mark Rutte negotiating Britain's place in the concentric rings satellite model.
I have to say that the author is overly sanguine. He says the silver lining of Brexit is that, the referendum has instilled a need to reform the EU for fear of further departures. Clegg says, it is likely that the EU will evolve into a satellite model, whereby member states will be organised into concentric circles with varying levels of alignment with the EU. A nice idea, though sadly this appears to have been ruled out by Michel Barnier. Clegg talks about why it is right to stop Brexit, namely the myriad of lies peddled by the Vote Leave campaign and its affiliates and also that democracy is not a one time event: people are allowed to change their minds in the face of new evidence, similar to buying a dodgy appliance and returning it later.
Examining the lies, it was the high priestess of the Tory party Margaret Thatcher herself, who was instrumental in creating the single market. Something which Brexit supporters deride, yet they idolize the Iron Lady. The author argues that Britain has held a position of great privilege and influence within the EU. The UK is not in the Schengen area, has a rebate, a veto, it is not in the Eurozone and it did not sign up to all 130 of the EUs Justice and Home Affairs laws. Far from being a vassal with no say. People often argue that, when we joined the EU in 1973, it has since morphed into a gargantuan, overarching, faceless, bureaucratic machine. They forget that throughout the decades that the UK has been setting the agenda for the policy changes that have led to the EU today. Something which domestic political parties have often boasted about in their manifestos (reform of common agricultural and fishing policies, cross border cooperation of foreign policy and terrorism, trade, expanding the EU to name a few).
On immigration, he says businesses have benefited from access to EU workers, who would otherwise face shortages of skills and labour. The change in local jobs and wage levels are small and they in fact make a net contribution through the taxes they pay. The UK was one of only three countries that did not delay free movement following EU expansion, which has led to greater immigration than in surrounding countries. So the government was the source of the so called 'uncontrolled migration' rather than the EU. All too often migration into the EU has been conflated with migration within the EU, largely thanks to populist opportunists. There is a design flaw within the EU: removing internal borders within the Schengen area while failing to fix eternal ones, is not working. Flaws in freedom of movement are due to failures of domestic government (open labour markets, no residence checks, universal access to healthcare), which can be alleviated by following examples in countries like Liechtenstein and Germany.
Dominic Cummins, a former government advisor, says he doesn't think the referendum would have had the outcome it did, if they hadn't lied about giving the NHS £350m per week on exiting the EU. They lie about being a grassroots anti-establishment operation, where they are actually backed by billionaire's and come from positions of privilege themselves. There were also lies about Turkey joining the EU following a remain vote.
Later, he then sets out an impressive strategic action plan through 'pressure, argument and passion', of how to stop Brexit: i) Visit your MP monthly ii) Attend local party meetings iii) Attend party conference and table motions iv) write to Jeremy Corbyn v) If necessary walk away. On the Tory side: i) Join the party ii) Challenge Brexit MPs in remain seats iii) Vote in the leadership contest iv) Go to the party conference v) Write to Theresa May. More generally: Persuade 5 friends and neighbours, join a campaign group and use social media (e.g. Peoples Vote), mobilise with other volunteers, mobilise your union and demonstrate.
On making Britain great again, he's talking about the UK's future relationship with the EU. Rightly he says that things cannot stay the same in light of the Brexit vote, with reform to freedom of movement being a priority. Quite a bold proposal is a coalition of John Major and Mark Rutte negotiating Britain's place in the concentric rings satellite model.
Nigel Farage hailed the vote for Brexit as a victory for the 'little people, the real people...the ordinary, decent people'. A few months later Farage, a privately educated ex-City trader with a taste for a post-prandial glass of port, flew across the Atlantic to join President Trump at the billionaire's victory party. There is a famous photo of the pair celebrating in front of one of Trump Tower's gold-plated lift doors. The little people must have been just out of shot.
Desmond once explained his motivation: 'I don't know if we should be in [the EU] or not, but I don't like being controlled by Brussels and these faceless people.' He apparently prefers control by unelected newspaper proprietors and hedge-fund managers instead.
'If it's not delivered. there will be the most terrible damage to the political establishment.' There you have it: the voice of the new Brexit elite worrying about the impact on the political establishment. Surely he, and everyone else, should be more worried about the damage being done to the country than to the reputation of the establishment?
July 20, 2018
A quick read, but a very informative and well-written one. Surprisingly, it doesn't slate the Brexit voters but it does give a thoughtful reflection on why they voted the way they did. The author's suggestions on how to undo Brexit are somewhat optimistic but not likely. Suggestions include becoming a member of the Labour or Conservative party and writing to the party leadership.
At this point in time Corbyn is proving very unlikely to 'listen' as he himself suggests leadership is all about. May on the other hand is continually held hostage by an extremist Tory Eurosceptic faction.
Still a great book which empowers the reader with great facts about why the referendum swayed the way it did and how Britain may well end up.
At this point in time Corbyn is proving very unlikely to 'listen' as he himself suggests leadership is all about. May on the other hand is continually held hostage by an extremist Tory Eurosceptic faction.
Still a great book which empowers the reader with great facts about why the referendum swayed the way it did and how Britain may well end up.
January 30, 2018
A concise, well-written and readable offering from Nick Clegg on how to stop Brexit. As I’d expect from Nick there’s plenty of historical context and information that backs up his assertions. The only thing that prevents me giving a 5* review is his encouragement that people should join the Conservatives or Labour. As a card-carrying Lib Dem and with Nick a former leader or my party I struggle with this. Also, I’m not convinced that it will make the sea change on stopping Brexit that he believes it can. There are in my view more effective cross party and neutral ways if someone feels they don’t wish to join a strongly pro-European and pro-referendum on the deal party such as my own.
July 24, 2025
What do we say about this abominable, elitist garbage? If you're going to write a book about why you should ignore the largest democratic mandate this country has ever seen, you might want to climb out of your London echo-chamber and at least find out why people voted that way. The misrepresentation of the brexit argument by the press is shameful, nothing more than an attempt to smear brexit voters as racist in order to turn public opinion against them. My only consolation was that I found this book in a charity shop, so money goes to a good cause rather than Clegg's no doubt bloated bank account.
November 21, 2017
This book probably won’t stop Brexit, and Clegg’s solution is a little tame if you ask me: simply making your voice known and writing letters to MPs simply wont cut it.
But on the whole this book gives an unbiased, truthful account on the process, how we got to this point, and what Europe actually thinks to Brexit. Intelligently written, humble at times, I got through this quickly.
This book certainly makes you think.
But on the whole this book gives an unbiased, truthful account on the process, how we got to this point, and what Europe actually thinks to Brexit. Intelligently written, humble at times, I got through this quickly.
This book certainly makes you think.
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