The campaigns prior to the Brexit referendum were blamed of using lies and scare tactics. In the following you find a selection of claims that were used in the context of the Leave Campaigns or Remain Campaigns Zur Auflösung der Fußnote[1] in the run-up to the referendum. What about their degree of truth?
Three claims by the Leave Campaigns:
”We send the EU £50 million a day – let’s fund our NHS instead.“ Zur Auflösung der Fußnote[2]
”We need to take back control of our borders so we decide who can come here – and who can’t.“ Zur Auflösung der Fußnote[3]
”UK trade and jobs will thrive after we vote leave.“ Zur Auflösung der Fußnote[4]
Three claims by the Remain Campaigns:
“The European Union has helped reconcile countries which were once at each other’s throats for decades. Britain has a fundamental national interest in maintaining common purpose in Europe to avoid future conflict between European countries.” Zur Auflösung der Fußnote[5]
“Over 3 million UK jobs are linked to our trade with the EU.“ Zur Auflösung der Fußnote[6]
“Being in Europe means lower prices […]. If we left, your weekly shop could cost more." Zur Auflösung der Fußnote[7]
Assignments:
Take a look at the claims. Assess spontaneously, in how far the individual claims seem correct or incorrect to you.
Check the facts: Search the internet to find out in how far the claims are true or false. You can check information about individual claims or you can check if there were lies involved in the campaigning in general. (Possible search terms: Brexit, lies, true claims, false claims, etc.) Note down your results briefly.
Compare your spontaneous assessments with the new information and reassess the claims based on the new information. Give reasons for your assessment.
Analyse and assess: a) What were the respective procedures in the campaigns? (campaigning, strategy) Are there differences among the Leave and the Remain movements? b) How do you assess the way(s) of campaigning?
Discussion: How would you react to such campaigns, how would you handle them?
Fußnoten = footnotes