In the aftermath of the Brexit vote last week the UK has gotten a lot of international media attention in recent days. Many are uncertain of what the economic future holds, not only for the UK, but also for the EU. Friday, July 1 also marked the 100th anniversary of one of the most pivotal battles in modern history – the Somme. Fought largely between British and German forces, the Somme not only saw the debut of the tank and aircraft in warfare, but gave the Allies momentum for the rest of the war. In this week’s wrap, we will take you through several international stories that detail the significance of Brexit and the Somme.
The UK shouldn’t expect to talk trade with the rest of the EU member nations until it has fully exited – which could be a while. At least that’s what EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said. Furthermore, she said that after Brexit, the UK would become a “third country” in EU terms until a new trade deal is reached. The said trade deal could take some time – a recent deal the EU made with Canada took seven years to complete. Detailed talks to start an ongoing trade relationship probably won’t even start until the UK politically leaves the EU. This means trade will happen even farther down the line.
While many in America hardly recognize the name of the most important battle of World War I, a two-minute moment of silence was observed across the UK on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The silence was intended to mark the moment whistles were blown, sending men “over the top” of the trenches and into battle. Queen Elizabeth II had a notable role in the commemorations, taking first post in an overnight vigil held at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, which honors the unknown dead of the First World War.
A strange sight was seen in London Friday morning. Thousands of men in World War I uniforms gathered at various public places around the UK, handing out cards that commemorated the 19,240 men who died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. This was the worst single day in the history of the British army. All in all, it was an unthinkable human catastrophe, and eventual victory in the battle came at a very high cost for the British. The battle stands as a symbol of the futility of war and the need for peace and cooperation in Europe – even after Britain’s historic departure from the EU.
Here in America, we owe a lot to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, too. Enjoy this 4th of July weekend and remember to celebrate responsibly!
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Sam Bojarski is an associate at WordWrite Communications. He can be reached at sam.bojarski@wordwritepr.com.
