The Father of Brexit Explains Himself

If you are wondering how the momentous decision for Brexit came to the table what it means looking forward, this Thursday you will have your chance to get some answers. Sir William Cash, who has served as Member of Parliament since 1984 and was unanimously elected to the position of Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee in 2010, will be addressing students and faculty in Combes, room 104 at 6:30 pm.

In her email announcing the event, President Schenck accredited this arrangement to "the good offices of an AUP parent". In an attempt to follow up with Ms. Schenck for specifics, my requests were politely but firmly declined. However, said parent may be present at the event as well, so if you want to learn the identity of the mystery man or woman who has brought Bill Cash to us, you'll do well to attend. As it were, these issues extend beyond the U.K.'s relationship with the European Union, since the imminent French presidential elections may well produce similar results, if Marine le Pen is victorious.

Political tensions are on the rise worldwide. Reactionary politicians have been gaining traction through their populist rhetoric, the most recent and striking example being the election of Donald Trump. In these times of uncertainty, it seems that no matter from which walk of life one hails, everyone is subject to the changes of the international world order we have come to know and hold to be self-evident.

For those of us who hoped to evade such upsets by seeking refuge in Paris, it is becoming clearer that we aren't safe from this political danger either: The U.K.'s referendum last summer to withdraw from the European Union will pan out over the next few years, and it's already affecting the lives of students who have crossed the channel to study here. So if you are anxious, confused, or downright outraged, don't bury those feelings—bring them to the Cash lecture on Thursday evening. (If you are bringing non-AUP friends, make sure they sign up here.)