Did British sitcoms give rise to Brexit?

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SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE July 06, 2023 View in browser Dad's Army blamed for vote, while Farage claims conspiracy over bank account Dad's Army and other TV classics contributed to Brexit, claims historian (PA Images) Don't panic! We're doomed! Brexit Britain is muddling along in the midst of disaster, much like the Lance Corporal Jones, Private Fraser and the rest of the Dad's Army crew. In fact, historian Prof Gavin Schaffer says British sitcoms from the 70s and 80s – including Dad's Army, 'Allo 'Allo! and Fawlty Towers – foretold Brexit, revealing the insular, Little England Euroscepticism which led to our EU exit. What would cockney spiv Private Walker made of Brexit shortages? A small fortune, I suppose. Speaking of spivs, Nigel Farage is back in the headlines. The former Brexit Party leader claims his Coutts bank account was closed in "establishment" revenge for helping push Britain out of Europe. But sources at the bank made clear it was all down to Nigel not having enough money. Stupid boy! The Brexit Headlines  Farage accounts shut 'due to lack of money – not Brexit' The ex-Brexit Party leader's bank accounts were closed because they didn't contain enough money, it was claimed. UK 'agrees deal' to rejoin EU's Horizon A draft deal is said to have been agreed so the UK can rejoin the bloc's flagship science research programme. Sturgeon told off for using Covid inquiry to attack Brexit The ex-SNP leader was rebuked by the inquiry lawyer for getting on her "soap box" and calling Brexit a "false economy". Opinion of the week Nigel Farage: "This is serious political persecution at the very highest level of our system … the big corporate structures who did not want Brexit to happen." STAT OF THE WEEK 66% Proportion of people in Northern Ireland who says Brexit made things worse Enjoy a year of unlimited digital access for just £99 £20 ✓ Full access to Premium news analysis ✓ Advert-free reading across web and app ✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper ✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more SUBSCRIBE NOW What you might have missed Historian Prof Gavin Schaffer explains that the Euroscepticism in Dad's Army and 'Allo 'Allo was part of the culture which led to Brexit. Welsh health officials said no-deal Brexit preparations hampered planning in the run-up to Covid. Total UK trade is up and Brexit scaremongering "just has to stop", a Tory business minister has insisted. Michael Gove blamed post-Brexit rows between the UK and Scottish governments on the Green Party. Foreign secretary James Cleverly hailed "close and friendly" co-operation between the UK and EU despite Brexit. We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE Most commented Articles driving the biggest conversations First Brexit, now Orxit? Politicians on Orkney Islands vote to explore autonomy Articles available exclusively to subscribers A bit rich: Why I back Nigel Farage in his 'Brexit' battle with the banks OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now Morning Headlines Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by the UK team Join now The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Brexit and beyond newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Brexit and beyond newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.