We were seeking a way to create a standard (which could be incorporated into European law), that will ensure the safety of every man, woman and child who either work on or use commercial aircraft.

What was distinct about this group is the fact that despite economic and political agenda, they had come from all parts of Europe, each with their own unique National identity, but with a single purpose – to create a unified instrument for the benefit of all in Europe.

Our gathering was enriched by the spread of language, intellect and humour, but the one overriding question they had was this; “why are the British people having this in/out referendum - what exactly do they want?”

I confess I had some difficulty in answering this question, because no matter how hard I tried, I found that I actually could not come up with a coherent answer, so I tried these themes: 

1. Was it the case that it was about sovereignty; but I argued that our government takes part in the creation of law in Europe and provides its approval, we make laws in Westminster and that we also make decisions quite independently on our security - how were we not sovereign?
2. Were we frightened by being part of a European 'super-state'; but our successive governments, equipped by teams of lawyers, have known that from the Treaty of Rome onwards, each Treaty has been designed to create the conditions for integration - but in response to that integration, we freely choose the level that suits us?
3. Were we frightened of losing a 'British' distinctiveness - but in Europe I argued, surely the French, Germans and Italians for example, are still distinct nationals whilst still being European?

No matter which way we looked at it, I could not deliver a logical rationale as to why we were having this referendum at all, I did however add: 

1. That the debate was reduced by a class of politician whose vision for Britain looked back to a bygone era; an era when the British people were subjugated by the rules of commerce and political privilege;
2. That there are those who peddle highly ridiculous mantra; for example, the reasons our motorways are apparently clogged are because we have too many migrants in the UK, or, that we must get control of our borders because we are open to 500 million people coming into the UK, or, that there are pressures on our Public Services due to migration!
3. I suggested that our debate had become mired in a distasteful ‘anti-immigration’/’anti-migrant'/refugee fest. Just prior to my meeting, I had heard my own Prime Minister, David Cameron, tell the waiting press corps in Brussels, that Britain was going to help the ‘Continent of Europe’ to secure its ‘external borders’; not ‘our European Partners’, not the ‘European Union’ but the ‘Continent of Europe’. I wondered, had the Prime Minister already brexited from the European Union – what kind of solidarity was this at the height of one of the world’s major humanitarian crises?
4. I ventured that the neo-cons in the UK wanted all the benefits for Industry but none of the social benefits for UK citizens;
5. And then I discovered whilst at this meeting, that the latest tour de force was to somehow seek the Royal nod of approval and no doubt, for our loyalty, each of us will receive a special commemorative medal which chimes 'Land of Hope & Glory' every time it sees day light!

It was interesting to hear that in some of my European colleagues’ countries, they too were facing similar issues and many expressed a fear that we were witnessing the rise of a right-wing divisive ideology that had not been witnessed since the 1930’s; we all concluded that we were moving through dangerous times.

I shared my personal philosophy that I had for many months come to the conclusion that the country I hear being offered on a daily basis, is not the country I grew up in and have come to love.

My country is indeed a green and pleasant land, but it is also country that has a global influence following the devastation of War, but it seems that we now intend to waste that precious prize.

It is a country that created, inspired and respected its communities and diversity; it was a country that forged a new role for itself in Europe and dynamised its people and our neighbours.

My country was tolerant and compassionate; now it appears to be reduced to being pithy and on the edges of everything that could be good and progressive.

I was not afraid of a federal Europe, after all, I live for all intents and purposes in a 'Federal State' called the United Kingdom.

I listened to my colleagues talk about their daily lives and wondered as I sat next to my German and Italian colleagues, could our soldiers from yesteryear have ever imagined that one day we would be sitting together as allies and partners to create a progressive & social Europe for all; was that not a dream worth fighting for – is it now to die at the end of a lead pencil?

We all agreed that Europe was not perfect, far from it, but we considered that a Europe that is united and working, is better than the alternative. We concluded that Europe needs strong visionary leaders, not those who retreat behind their ‘safe’ National fences.

Unanimously we considered that it was not just the European economy, but the global economy that was one of the greatest threats to our society - and this cohort should know! Rather than austerity we needed a genuine plan for growth otherwise we will be swallowed by the market forces of China and the USA.

We also concluded that we needed a Europe, in the face of global economic threats, that not only made itself relevant to its citizens, but also demonstrated its relevance by making pan-European laws that not only includes them within the internal market, but delivered a clear democratic purpose in the decisions that affect 500 million people.

Our discussions would have been incomplete without confronting the subject matter of migration. We were all agreed; decisions made by some Member States (here I threw myself on the Sir Geoffrey Howe memorial sword (on behalf of the Nation, mea culpa for Libya) (now recognised by President Obama)), helped to exacerbate an already difficult problem. For the dear readers offended by this brutal honesty, let me reassure their fragile National ego, that my colleagues equally lamented their own Member State’s problematic histories! We asked; how could Member States ignore a region devastated by a vicious war and not take pity on those beaching themselves on the shores of Greece - where for art thou the lofty principles of International & European Human Rights?

All of these goals were entirely possible, so long as we did not retreat from the grave challenges that face us, on some vague quest for a greater glory; if we fail to do our duty, history will judge this generation as the people who turned their backs on their real destiny.

One thing was clear; my Dutch, Italian, French, German and other European friends are puzzled and confused by our Nation's current attitudes. They do not want the UK to leave; they consider us to be on the whole good Europeans and friends with so much more to give, but the consensus was clear, if we go, tears will be shed, but Europe will advance.

As I left my good friends and colleagues, we did so in complete respect and with a new found sense of solidarity and purpose – something to be very proud of indeed.

As my plane descended into Gatwick, I did indeed see a green a pleasant land, but hey, don't be fooled, lurking there in the undergrowth is a refugee, scratch that, there is no such thing as a refugee, no look it’s a migrant, scratch that, it’s an economic migrant, scratch that, he/she is a terrorist. Be careful, stay in your homes, do not look out of the window, they are coming to get you. But do not fear we will save you from all of these nasty threats, we will introduce you to a whole new world of glorious unfettered economic interests - you will never have had it so good!

I jest of course, there were no refugees lurking in the undergrowth, but we are entering into one of the most dangerous periods in my lifetime in the UK, where the sound bite has the power to influence and take advantage of ordinary people's fears. Vision and intellect has been taken hostage by irrationality.

As I looked down to the earth below, I did indeed see a beautiful land and believe that we are better than this wretched debate and forthcoming vote; I wonder, in his solitude, does Dave actually wonder what he has done and unleashed?

© Frank Brehany 2016 - All Rights Reserved (First Published on 13/3/16)