For only the second time, my mum has a European carer. Her name is Lena, she’s Polish and she’s lovely.
On Day 2, I show her our food stockpile. It’s because of Brexit and Covid, I say. Don’t want to run short.
Brexit? she says.
The UK leaving the EU, I say.
Is it something you like? she asks.
No, no, no, I say – a complete disaster.
Because, she says, some in Poland are not so happy in EU. We are a proud country with tradition, we are Catholic, so maybe better not?
Oh no, no, nooooo, I think.
I say: Lena, please learn from our mistake. Keep your freedom of movement; stay in the Single Market.
She looks blank.
Final shot: I show her a Daily Mail poll in which just 36% said they’d vote out now.
Why have so many changed their minds?
For the first time she looks thoughtful.
That, she says, is a good question.
UK150 