Strange disease grips British politics.
Strange disease grips British politics.
Millenarianism in Britain: A Country Infected by End Times Beliefs
Britain, known for its penchant for common sense and gradual change, is currently grappling with an uncharacteristic affliction – millenarianism. This peculiar mindset, usually associated with apocalyptic beliefs, has infiltrated the nation, leading people to think that the end is near and the kingdom of God is imminent.
At the recent Conservative Party conference in Manchester, I found myself engaged in a spirited debate with a bearded gentleman selling Socialist Worker, a left-wing publication. He adamantly proclaimed that the Russian Revolution was the greatest event in history, despite never having been to Russia himself. When I shared my personal experiences of visiting the country, where I found it to be far from an idyllic utopia, he dismissed my perspective as that of a capitalist lackey. It was clear that he adhered to a millenarian worldview, refusing to acknowledge any alternative viewpoints.
However, this gentleman is not an isolated case. Last week’s Labour conference in Brighton was filled with individuals harboring similar millenarian beliefs. Jeremy Corbyn and his followers consistently asserted that Britain, being the fifth richest country in the world, was capable of eliminating social problems such as homelessness and poverty simply by redistributing wealth and taxing the rich. This sentiment was frequently coupled with a strange belief in socialist Promethianism – the idea that ordinary people possess untapped creative potential that is suppressed by societal structures. They argued that by creating spaces for self-expression and embracing activism, individuals can reach their full potential and effect societal change.
While the Conservative Party has traditionally been less inclined towards millenarianism, the spirit has now crept into even their ranks. The Conservative Party conference was characterized by sparsely attended events, except for those focusing on Brexit. Bruges Group, a Eurosceptic organization, garnered a crowd of 800 people, while discussions regarding the perceived threat to Brexit were oversubscribed. Leading figures like Jacob Rees-Mogg, often dismissed as an eccentric, captured the imagination of attendees with his resolute advocacy for Britain’s sovereignty. Daniel Hannan, founder of the Institute of Free Trade, eloquently championed the economic benefits of free trade.
Both Rees-Mogg and Hannan champion valid arguments, highlighting issues such as the EU’s democratic deficit and the importance of global trade. However, their viewpoints are tainted by millenarianism. The audience fervently applauded any mention of not settling financial obligations with the EU, the term “eurocrat,” and the topic of “uncontrolled immigration.” Like Corbyn’s supporters, the Brexiteers divide the world into good and evil, perpetuating an “us versus them” mentality, disregarding the practical challenges of implementing their millenarian dreams. They fail to consider the potential negative consequences of leaving the EU without a trade deal or the need for skillful negotiation in forging new trade agreements.
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It is disconcerting that the Brexiteers seem oblivious to the dangers of their millenarian ambitions. Recent events, such as the trade action against Bombardier—an aircraft manufacturer in Northern Ireland—by the United States, should have given them pause. Instead, they continue to advocate for free-trade deals without fully assessing the complexities involved. The allure of crisis and the misguided belief that Britain will emerge stronger from such turmoil blinds them.
Millenarianism is not only nonsensical; it leads to disappointment and contributes to a climate of betrayal. As a society, Britain finds itself pursuing unattainable utopias while desperately searching for scapegoats to explain the inevitable failures.
More from Bagehot at the Conferences
- The Tory conference reflects the dismal state of the party
- How the Corbynites want to reverse the 1980s
- An evening with Momentum at the Labour Party conference
