The first sentence of the quote suggests that the decision to leave the European Union, or Brexit, was partly driven by a feeling among British citizens that they were being overlooked and ignored by their government. The second part emphasizes that for many people who voted to leave, doing so gave them a sense of empowerment and control over their own lives.
The deeper meaning behind this quote highlights the significance of political engagement and civic responsibility in modern democracies. Claire Fox’s statement underscores how disenfranchisement can lead to significant political shifts when citizens feel their voices are not heard or valued by those in power. The sense of agency that many voters felt during the Brexit vote suggests a broader dissatisfaction with established political institutions and a desire for change and self-determination. This empowerment might have been spurred by the unprecedented nature of voting on such an important issue, giving people a chance to directly influence their future.
Claire Fox is the founder and former director of the Institute of Ideas in London. She is known for her work as a philosopher and social commentator who often discusses the importance of individual freedom and civic engagement. Her perspective offers insights into how public disillusionment with politics can manifest in unexpected ways, such as through significant political events like Brexit.
