I am old enough to remember the triumphal newspaper articles (yes, Mail, Express, NotW, Sun, etc., when the UK's application to join the Common Market was finally accepted - the UK would now steer that rabble toward utopia, courtesy of its much heralded wisdom and expertise, oh not to mention common sense (and of course the UK holds the patent on it).
I remember the UK being the sick man of Europe and slowly crawling out of the mire largely through its new membership.
I also remember the series through the years of fits and tantrums insisting on the UK being more equal that the rest, and always getting something out of it (yes, those foreigners are simpletons and pushovers).
Yes, the Common Market developed into the EU but the UK was as involved in that development, some might argue more involved, than the rest. It was not a dictate from any one member but agreed/accepted and ratified by them all. If the UK now wants to leave then fine (some are quietly/secretly saying good riddance to a pain).
The operative expression is "at EU level". Of course there has been co-operation between countries as far back as records go, but Brexit was/is (so it is argued by some/many/all) to end the UK's involvement with the EU and co-operation at EU level. The UK (all sides) of course hopes to achieve co-operation with the EU eventually but at the moment the way some people foam at the mouth one wonders if they can countenance any form of co-operation with "the enemy" with whom negotiations must be held.
Those of us who see religion as a similarity are looking at things from one perspective, those who see a bright dawn ahead from a flashing EXIT sign are looking at them from another.
Now, you make sure it is properly strapped on, this button here is what sends you on your way...... Send us a postcard.