Fishy Business of Security
Fishy business could be holding up the UK-EU defence pact, and honestly, it’s fascinating how something as mundane as fishing rights can derail a vital security agreement. A pinch of salt is needed here, but Sweden’s EU affairs minister, Jessica Rosencrantz, has been refreshingly honest about the situation.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Russia is ramping up pressure—not just with war, but through sabotage, espionage, and other indirect acts. America feels unreliable as an ally these days. Hostility towards Europe is growing, with public opinion turning sour and distancing from them. The US seems to outright hate Europe and wants to dismantle the European Union. So much for isolationist policies! This could even be an existential crisis for us. Sovereignty and security are at risk. The UK, along with France, is one of the few European nations able to project military power globally, making the UK an indispensable player in European security. If you’re wondering why Russia is keen to divide and sideline Europe, that’s precisely why. The UK and EU desperately need this pact to safeguard each other, and decoupling from America to take security into our own hands is increasingly urgent.
The war in Ukraine drags on. Europe is rearming, and Russia isn’t shy about showing its hostility towards the UK. It’s clear they see us as a major threat, and they’d love nothing more than for Britain to fall. Most voters don’t seem to notice, but the evidence is plain—murder, spying, sabotage. These acts are carefully designed to avoid provoking a formal declaration of war, but they’re war all the same. This isn’t just Britain’s problem; it’s happening all across Europe. Refugees are being weaponised to destabilise European politics, adding yet another layer to the chaos. Some might ask why we should care about Ukraine and European security, but the connection is obvious. Russia is Europe’s gas station. The war in Ukraine sent energy prices soaring, heavily impacting UK energy costs tied to natural gas. If you care about your fuel bill, you should care about this. Refugees and asylum seekers matter too—if Ukraine falls, millions will flee Russian rule. These seemingly unconnected issues are deeply linked.
Both sides want this defence pact sorted fast, and climate change adds more urgency. Arctic shipping routes are opening up, and protecting them will be crucial. Ireland is under the UK’s security umbrella, with the UK carrying the load since Ireland doesn’t have its own armed forces. Vast amounts of cargo bound for Europe travel by sea, and undersea cables connect the City of London to the continent. Britain acts as Europe’s fortress island, safeguarding the Atlantic and the Arctic alongside Nordic countries. Ireland and the Arctic are vulnerable, and the UK defence industry is eager to get involved in Europe’s rearmament. But neither the EU nor the UK is going to make this easy. Enter fishing rights—the bargaining chip.
Fishing rights have always been a contentious topic. The UK can’t sell fish into the EU market due to trade barriers we agreed to, so holding onto these rights seems pointless. Yet fishing stirs deep national sentiment. There’s a romanticism about fishermen braving the high seas that resonates emotionally. It’s similar to farmers—everyone loves them, yet we fail to pay them properly. People want cheap food but balk at the idea of paying more, having grown used to rock-bottom prices. Fishing rights always spark emotion during trade talks, even though most people don’t think about it daily. But here’s the thing—pragmatism has to win. Resolving fishing rights could rebuild trust and open the door to broader cooperation. Jessica Rosencrantz is right: fixing this issue creates space to resolve other sensitive topics, like defence.
It’s about much more than fish—it’s about security. Collaborating with European fleets to protect the North Sea from Russia, China, or even America is crucial. If sharing fishing rights helps make that happen, surely it’s worth considering? Russia and China are already eyeing undersea cables, and we don’t have enough ships to protect them. Russia is even suspected—though unproven—of tampering with these cables already. The case for increasing UK defence spending and expanding our navy and air force is strong.
Let’s face it—the UK’s economy is struggling. Stagnant growth, inflation, and poor productivity weigh us down. Undoing some of the trade barriers we created post-Brexit is common sense. Patching up the flat tyre won’t fix the whole car, but it’ll stop the wobble. The UK can’t keep trying to act as a bridge between the US, EU, and itself—it’s unsustainable. For security and economic stability, rejoining the European community isn’t just logical; it’s critical. Am I thrilled about this? Not really, but it’s where we are. Lay the blame squarely at the decision-makers who led us into this mess, and for goodness’ sake, stop voting for those peddling cakeism and false promises.
British exceptionalism needs to die. Clinging to empire fantasies holds us back, and parroting this rubbish does Britain no favours. If we’re going to rebuild, we need to make the case emotionally and clearly—not just with facts, but in a way people connect with. Denial won’t get us anywhere; it’s time for a dose of reality. I’d rather not be subject to whims and wishes of others without a say, forced to go along with it. What sovereignty is there in that? Better to pool resources with like-minded nations. Sharing the burden is cheaper.
The EU sees this differently, and understandably so. The UK hasn’t treated them well, so caution is natural. It’s like an ex suddenly wanting to share resources after years of distance—would you trust them? If your answer’s yes, I’d question your judgement. Changing your mind is fine, but the EU wants proof that we’re serious this time. Negotiations are simple: you give, they give. It’s baffling how many seem to lack a basic grasp of strategy—I’ve spent far too much time playing real-time strategy games, and even I understand.
Critical thinking is desperately needed, but unchecked sources and half-truths dominate. Politicians should be alarmed, but they seem oddly relaxed. Maybe they’re cushioned by algorithm-driven bubbles. It’s worrying. Neurodivergent thinkers like me might not fit into traditional politics, but we care deeply. I’ve considered stepping in because the problems are clear and solvable. Cleverer people than me have failed spectacularly, though. I’ve been told I should go for it, but the road’s long, and I’m unsure I’d fit the mould. Then again, doubting I’d be great at it might be what makes me suited for it.
Why do we keep electing the same people who lead us astray? Why do we listen to the rich preaching what’s best for us while dodging their responsibilities? Why aren’t we asking tougher questions and prioritising what truly matters? Spending more time choosing your underwear than questioning bin collection policies doesn’t make sense. Politics impacts every aspect of daily life, and focusing on trivialities over real issues is frustrating. Voters are messy—they want impossible things and conflicting promises. Politicians over-promise because voters demand it. Maybe it’s time for leaders who lead, not chase illusions. We need a more grounded, collaborative system. Less theatre, more substance. Voters must stay engaged beyond elections, and politicians need to sound relatable. I admit I can get overly technical, but the core issues are there if you dig past the fluff.
The UK and EU stand at a crossroads, with their futures intertwined in ways many voters barely recognise. Fishing rights might seem trivial on the surface, but they symbolise something much deeper—trust, collaboration, and a willingness to compromise. These are the building blocks for a defence pact that’s not just about protecting borders but ensuring Europe can stand united against those who would divide and conquer. It’s frustrating watching Europe move slowly, with some decisions driven by pride. Cynicism only strengthens our opponents and weakens us. Yet there’s a glimmer of hope—Europe is not weak but strong. Sovereignty isn’t about isolation; it’s about pooling resources. The world is more interconnected than ever, and pretending we can go it alone is foolish.
The glass may feel half empty right now, but it’s not empty. There’s still something worth fighting for—it’s the foundation upon which European peace was built. After the dark shadow of World War II, a better future emerged. One built on trade, cooperation, pragmatism, and a belief in security and stability. If we can stop clinging to outdated notions of exceptionalism and focus on what truly matters, there’s no reason Europe, including the UK, can’t be stronger, safer, and more resilient. We can learn from history or repeat the same mistakes of the past.