Why Does Uniting Poor Countries with the UK Improve Their Standard of Living?

The idea that poor countries should unite with the United Kingdom (UK) under the British flag to enhance their standard of living is misguided. There are several historical and practical reasons to support this conclusion.

Historical Precedents of Colonial Rule

Several countries under British rule experienced civil wars and other forms of conflict. The British policy of divide and rule has been destructive and has led to the decimation and destruction of several regions.

The old adage that the sun never set on the British Empire

is often used to describe the vast extent of the British Empire. However, it is true that the trust placed in the empire was often misplaced, especially in darker times.

UK and Its Relationship with Eastern Europe and Poor Countries

The UK's recent departure from the European Union (EU) partly stems from concerns about the influx of poor Eastern European workers and perceived abuse of the benefits system. This moving away from closer alliances suggests that the UK may not be eager to unite with poorer countries that it views similarly.

Challenges of Colonial Legacy

Many former colonies of the British Empire have experienced mixed outcomes since gaining independence. Although there was investment in infrastructure such as railways, citizens of these countries were often treated as second-class citizens. Resources that could have improved the host nations were frequently redirected to the UK.

Decolonization offered a better alternative for these nations as it allowed them to regain full control over their resources and governance. Consequently, there is little interest among former colonial nations to reverse the historical timeline.

Pros and Cons of Integration with the UK

Uniting poor countries with the UK under a single governmental structure would likely result in a significant loss of control over their own policies and resources. Giving voices and fair representation in the UK parliament would mean that any policy decisions would have to accommodate the interests of these countries. This could lead to policies that perpetuate the poverty that these countries are trying to escape.

Moreover, if the UK merely governed these poor countries without giving them any representation, this arrangement would likely be seen as a form of neo-colonialism. Many former colonies, such as Kenya and India, fought bloody and hard battles to break free from similar arrangements imposed by the British. These nations are unlikely to be keen on being governed from London.

Conclusion

Historically, the integration of poor countries with the UK under the British flag has not been beneficial. The legacy of colonial rule has often been one of conflict, exploitation, and limited progress. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that unification would lead to a better standard of living for these nations.

Considering the historical and practical evidence, it is more sensible to continue on the path of self-governance and development through independent means.