Why Did Cornwall Vote for Brexit? Assessing the Implications for EU Structural Funding Programmes
Willett, JMA; Tidy, R; Tregidga, G; et al.Passmore, P
Date: 19 January 2019
Article
Journal
Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Publisher DOI
Abstract
In the 2016 referendum on UK EU membership, regions which benefitted from high levels of structural
funds voted to leave the EU. This was unexpected given the Europeanisation processes expected of the
funds in terms of identity and loyalty. Within this case study of Cornwall, we use qualitative methods
to assess why this happened ...
In the 2016 referendum on UK EU membership, regions which benefitted from high levels of structural
funds voted to leave the EU. This was unexpected given the Europeanisation processes expected of the
funds in terms of identity and loyalty. Within this case study of Cornwall, we use qualitative methods
to assess why this happened and the implications for future structural funding programmes. We find
that the rationale behind the Brexit vote was less about the EU as an institution, but was a reflection
of the deep levels of uncertainty, insecurity, and frustration that people felt about governance
decisions, scarce resources, and the future for themselves and their children. This created a situation
where people looked to the nation state for support and security, and were fearful of post-national
forms of identification and governance. Consequently, EU support is imagined as being organised by
‘elites’, for elites, rather than benefitting local communities.
We suggest breaking down some of the barriers that have arisen through a participatory approach to
development decision-making, greater flexibility to regional priorities, and forms of funding that
individuals might apply to – such as a skills pot to facilitate easier access to further education and
training.
Social and Political Sciences, Philosophy, and Anthropology
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Item views 0
Full item downloads 0