A newspaper in the Netherlands has asked Britons to vote with their hearts and stay in the EU, noting the shared history and culture and ideas between the two nations.
In response to The Sun’s frontpage supporting the Leave campaign, Dutch newspaper AD ran its own frontpage of a Union Flag with the words “Don’t leave me this way” – the title of a song made popular by UK duo The Communards in 1986.
In the open letter, written in English to appeal to those across the water in the UK, the newspaper describes the Dutch love of British pop culture, music, and comedy and suggests that the two historically adventurous nations maintain “some common sense on this turbulent continent”.
It goes on to say that without the UK in the fold, the EU would be left lacking, “like tea without milk”.
The full article read:
“Britain Hello,
“This is your neighbour calling. Please do not leave us.
“Of course, there will always be a Great Britain, anchored only 20 miles from the continent.
“England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we feel at ease in your amazing country.
“Since our King William III (of Orange) married your Queen Mary II (of England), we have been related anyway.
“Nobody in Europe appreciates your culture more than we do. The Beatles, Bridget Jones, One Direction, EastEnders, Brideshead Revisited fame, we love it all. Many of us know Monty Python’s Dead Parrot sketch by heart.
“We admire your stiff upper lip. And every year we remember, with the greatest respect, all Those Who have fallen to liberate our country.
“Now you are thinking of leaving us. Sailing out your floating country towards distant shores, so says your largest newspaper, The Sun.
“Talking as a Dutch uncle, we have to tell you this is not a good idea. We not only love you, we need you.
“Who else supports us in keeping some common sense on this turbulent continent of ours?
“An EU without the UK would be like tea without milk. Bitter. So please, stay. Stay with us.
“Best wishes,
“Your neighbours”
AD
