The topic of trade tariffs was unknown to us when we first planned our summer programme. Someone suggested we discuss the influence of the US and the EU on the UK. Which we did last night.
Look at lifestyle, culture, food, entertainment and stuff like that, I recommended rather than Trump tariffs or Brexit…
A Discussion About The Influence of the US and the EU on the UK
Carol kicked us off with an excellent reflection of exciting new and US food options that influenced our UK tastes. Tracing back to the 70s we had enjoyed Wimpy, KFC, McDonalds, TGI and Burger King brands and services. Coke was THE trendy new drink influencing our childhood days alongside bigger fast food portions and the likes of ‘slaw.
Coffee started to challenge UK tea habits and the likes of Starbucks was born – for those who could afford it.
We then discussed Brunch as a great invention – adapted to become an all day trend that most of us enjoy today.
The EU brought us pizza, pasta, tapas, hummus, halloumi and yoghurt among many other new tastes. We also discussed the trend of local food markets which started in Europe but has become so popular across the UK.
Yes, we have seen more migration reaching the UK from Europe but there are food benefits to compensate here because our palates have been influenced/educated by new vegetables, spices and recipes….
Margaret reminded us that the stated purpose of the EU was to protect the environment, promote scientific progress/social justice and to encourage equality and social inclusion. Sounds good so far. But as Brexit revealed in 2016, the UK chose sovereignty, less bureaucracy (?) and quicker self control. Migration was also discussed here.
Looking at the US, we have certainly been influenced by American words like movies, pharmacy and vacation. We hoped we wouldn’t be influenced by their preoccupation re money and wealth or their gun culture and we all disapproved their commitment to MAGA, paid forhealthcare, the death penalty, abortion laws and tipping culture.
Jackie reminded us that a slim majority of Brits would prefer to have the EU as a partner today – this was the opposite of public opinion after WW2. We then discussed the US health system, comparative work/life balance, the cost of living and the likes of racial diversity versus ethnic diversity.
Marilyn remembers tackling these big issues in a project when she was at school and how things have changed since. She reminded us of the demise of the UK car industry versus the opposing growth of this sector in Germany. Cars were bigger and goodness knows where future automotive sales will come from after Trump’s tariffs…
We remembered jeans as in Levis and denims tracing from France (de Nimes…) And US sneakers we call trainers of course.
Finally Ann cheered us all up with doggy tales of how our UK legal system allow now allows emotional support pets to cause chaos in courts when defendants and witnesses bring untrained dogs (and cats…) who have been known to defecate in courtrooms and attack witnesses. A trend that started in the US we believe, and we hope goes back there soon.
All in all, a good discussion re US and EU influences that covered more serious matters as well – including trade figures, a move to right wing politics in general and defence/security concerns re a predatory Putin and Trump.
We’ve probably been lulled into a sense of complacency re security, intelligence and defence funding after relying on the US for too long. But now we, and Europe, need to come together to fund and agree our future defence and security. With a view to our shared future, not influenced by our past.
Just for the record, the UK has just signed a 100 Year Partnership Declaration with Ukraine so our paths will be inextricably linked from now on – financially as far as 2030/31 at least.
And today we read about a planned Universal Studios development in Bedford. The only one in Europe with much potential for new tourism and associated expenditure. Another example of US influence that will benefit the UK economy.