Brexit complicated Polish-British relations, but the conflict in Ukraine took these relations to a whole new level. According to prof. Alex Szczerbiak, a political scientist at the University of Sussex, said that as long as security issues remain a priority, Polish-British relations will be strong. We are now celebrating the third anniversary of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, which was the result of a referendum held in June 2016, where 52% of voters voted to leave the EU.
Prof. Szczerbiak notes that for Poland the result of the referendum was problematic in the context of the EU strategy, because it was losing its main ally, with whom it created a counterbalance to the Franco-German axis. On the other hand, Poland was not as central to Britain’s strategy as Britain was to Poland. The professor emphasizes that Poland was a supporter of constructive negotiations on the terms of Brexit and had no intention of “punishing” Great Britain for its decision. The most important goal for Poland was to preserve the rights of the Polish community in Great Britain, which then numbered about a million people. The rest of the issues were secondary and Poland relied on the negotiations of the European Union, and especially Germany, in this regard.
Professor Szczerbiak points out that about 800,000 Poles currently living in the UK are politically important to Poland, and the government must show that it defends their rights. He also mentions the situation after the referendum, when a Polish citizen was killed in Essex, and three members of the Polish government came to this place. He also notes that Polish politicians run election campaigns in the UK not because of strong support, but to ensure visibility and care for the Polish community. However, the approach in Poland to economic emigration, which was previously perceived as the main benefit of accession to the EU, has changed. Now, however, many people believe that trips and work below their competence are a failure of the state. Therefore, the Polish authorities try to encourage returns. Professor Szczerbiak explains that the Polish government does not want people to emigrate because it creates gaps in the labor market and is seen as a failure of the state. Limiting access to the British labor market is beneficial, but at the same time the government must show that it defends the interests of Poles in the UK. So the government wants the Poles to come back, but it doesn’t want the return to be perceived as insufficiently caring for their interests.
Brexit caused both Poland and Great Britain to strive to maintain good relations. However, the conflict in Ukraine gave these relations a new meaning as security and defense issues became a priority on the political agenda of both countries. Poland considers the UK to be a credible and important security partner. He fears the threat from Russia and sees the military strength of Great Britain.
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