Britain gears up for EU referendum on last day of heated campaign

(thestar.com)

LONDON—Campaigners on both sides of the crucial vote on whether or not Britain should remain in the European Union crisscrossed the country Wednesday, their last day to win support from the undecided.

Prime Minister David Cameron outlined his vision for a future with Britain retaining its place in the 28-nation bloc, bristling at the notion that the country would be headed in the wrong direction if it stayed in. He flatly rejected the notion that the institution is moribund.

“We are not shackled to a corpse,” Cameron told the BBC. “You can see the European economy’s recovery. It’s the largest single market in the world.”

The most notable figure in the “leave” campaign, former London Mayor Boris Johnson, kicked off a whirlwind tour of England as he pushed for a British exit — or Brexit. Touring the Billingsgate Fish Market, Johnson mugged for the cameras with fish in hand — a not-so-subtle reminder that this is an island nation — and one very proud of its independence and self-assurance.

“It’s time to have a totally new relationship with our friends and partners across the Channel,” Johnson said. “It’s time to speak up for democracy, and hundreds of millions of people around Europe agree with us. It’s time to break away from the failing and dysfunctional EU system.”

Britain goes to the polls Thursday after a campaign that has been both heated and complicated. The reach of the EU into every aspect of life has meant that all sorts of groups — from scientists to CEOs — have registered opinions on whether to stay or go.

The stakes are high as the vote is final — unlike an election in which the results can be reversed in the next term.

Amid the uncertainty, the fierce campaign within Britain has also spread to continental Europe. On Tuesday evening, Warsaw’s Palace of Culture and Science was illuminated in the colors of the Union Jack accompanied by the hashtag: “Vote Remain.”

Perhaps the strongest support for Britain remaining in the European Union has come from Germany. Germans fear that a Brexit could become a precedent for other countries with similar movements, and could have a negative impact on trade relations.

Last week, a group of young entrepreneurs flew from Berlin to London to hand out free bratwurst on the streets of the British capital, apparently unaware of British campaigning rules which prohibit giving out food or beverages.

“Bratwurst against Brexit,” attracted some curious looks — but will likely not have a decisive impact on the outcome of the referendum on Thursday.

A similar initiative of French campaigners, who wanted to give out free croissants on Wednesday, was adapted after police informed them about the strict British rules. Instead, the French campaigners handed out postcards at King’s Cross station signed: “with love, from Paris.” [Full Story]

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