Imagine being part of a club whose regulars include some of the most impactful decision-makers in Europe, and suddenly watching that all change dramatically. This is what the East Midlands (European Parliament constituency) represented for the UK until Brexit, a remarkable journey of political enterprise and regional representation. Established in 1999, this constituency elected Members to the European Parliament (MEPs) to reflect the collective voice of the East Midlands in decisions made across Europe from its genesis until the UK's departure from the EU in 2020.
The East Midlands constituency encompassed the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire (excluding North and North East Lincolnshire), Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. During its existence, the region sent five representatives to the European Assembly, engaging a population of over four million in key European legislative processes. It was an essential avenue for the region to express its interests and concerns, participate in environmental policies, trade agreements, and various initiatives that the EU undertook.
Politically, the East Midlands leaned towards the right with its representation predominantly coming from the Conservative Party. However, the stage was also shared by others such as the Labour Party, UK Independence Party (UKIP), the Liberal Democrats, and occasionally the Green Party. Even as this political theater echoed conservative policies, there was an ebb and flow influenced by wider national trends and local issues.
Yet, the drama that unfolded whooshed beyond simple partisan lines. Post the 2014 elections, UKIP surged with a potent message of Euroscepticism, heralding their agenda to pull the UK out of the EU into the forefront. Their narrative resonated here profoundly, a reflection of an emerging political discontent with the EU. The rallying cry for sovereignty, less immigration, and local control over laws rewarded UKIP three out of the five East Midlands seats, a signal that a significant section of the populace wanted change.
The spotlight eventually turned to Brexit. The East Midlands voted in favor of leaving the EU during the 2016 referendum, titled widely as the perfect storm for Eurosceptic politics. This decision demonstrated stark divides in public opinion on globalization, sovereignty, and economic policy. For Gen Z observers and participants of politics in the East Midlands, this moment was more than just historical; it was transformational and filled with debates about the direction of Britain’s future in a global context.
Brexit’s reality hit in 2020. This milestone marked the conclusion of the East Midlands' role in European parliamentary discourse. Debates enriched by diverse viewpoints, future policies articulated through representation, and a European dream of unity were folded away. For those who viewed the EU as an opportunity to express regional identity on a European stage, the loss was palpable. For others who felt burdened by EU directives, it was a reclaiming of British autonomy.
Appreciating this series of events requires understanding the essence of representative democracy. It’s about a constituency having the power to influence the path their region takes. It’s a profound experiment in aligning diverse sets of aspirations and ideologies with broader, continent-wide ambitions. The trappings of this democracy meant that sometimes the results were surprising, and not always favoring one overarching narrative or ideology.
Reflecting upon the dissolution of the East Midlands European Parliament constituency leads to questions about what the British political landscape would eventually become. For some, the disappearance marks the end of an era of European unity and cooperation. For others, it is the genesis of sovereignty and control. The conversation on global cooperation continues to evolve with technology, climate change, and the interconnectivity of social causes driving future discussions.
As Gen Z, you’re already ahead of the curve. Questions about accountability, the power of a vote, and the very notion of being European in a post-Brexit era are more critical now than ever. The East Midlands constituency’s story is a testament to the power of regional governance in a global framework, the complexities of identity politics, and the ever-perennial discussion on autonomy versus cooperation.