--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If the widespread attempts to block…" description: "\"If the widespread attempts to block Brexit gave us a glimpse into how fragile our commitment to democracy had become - reduced to a technocratic in-nam..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf0/claire-fox-5598_brexit_if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brex_2911526.jpg" --- # If the widespread attempts to block Brexit gave us a… ![“If the widespread attempts to block Brexit gave us a glimpse into how fragile our commitment to democracy had become - reduced to a technocratic in-name-only veneer - reactions to Covid are a stark reminder that freedom cannot be assumed as a social norm that's deeply embedded into our…” quote by Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf0/claire-fox-5598_brexit_if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brex_2911526.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf0/claire-fox-5598_brexit_if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brex_2911526.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf0/claire-fox-5598_brexit_if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brex_2911526.jpg) > “If the widespread attempts to block Brexit gave us a glimpse into how fragile our commitment to democracy had become - reduced to a technocratic in-name-only veneer - reactions to Covid are a stark reminder that freedom cannot be assumed as a social norm that's deeply embedded into our institutions and our psyche.” [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote warns that political crises expose how democracy can be reduced to superficial forms, and that crises like Covid show freedom is not a given but must be actively protected. **In simple terms:** Democracy can become a thin veneer; freedom must be defended. Key Takeaway Guard democracy actively. Themes democracy freedom political fragility citizen vigilance Mood concerned urgent Type political analytical When to use this quote - elections - public health emergencies - policy debates - civic education Key Concepts social contract institutional resilience public trust Questions to Reflect On - How can institutions embed freedom deeper? - What actions can citizens take to strengthen democratic norms? A Different Perspective Assumes citizens will protect democracy without effort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Brexit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brexit/) [Commitment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/commitment/) [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) ## Related quotes > [Mandela's commitment to democracy was ratified not only by his election, but by his willingness to step down from power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/mandela-s-commitment-to-democracy-was-ratified-not-only-by-his/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [America and Israel share an unwavering commitment to democracy and shared values.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-lieu/america-and-israel-share-an-unwavering-commitment-to-democracy-and/) [Ted Lieu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-lieu/) > [ \[Fall of the Berlin Wall\] is a reminder that the commitment of the United States, to Europe is enduring and it's rooted in the… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/fall-of-the-berlin-wall-is-a-reminder-that-the-commitment-of-the/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [ I note that \[Benazir\] Bhutto demonstrates her own deep commitment to democracy by giving herself the title chairperson for life of the Pakistan Peoples… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-coulter/i-note-that-benazir-bhutto-demonstrates-her-own-deep-commitment-to/) [Ann Coulter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-coulter/) > [The United States and Israel have a unique relationship based on our mutual commitment to democracy, freedom, and peace. Therefore, just as our commitment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-boehner/the-united-states-and-israel-have-a-unique-relationship-based-on-our/) [John Boehner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-boehner/) > [We defeated communism in part by showing the world that a commitment to democracy and expanding economic opportunity makes people's lives better and nations…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-quigley/we-defeated-communism-in-part-by-showing-the-world-that-a-commitment/) [Mike Quigley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-quigley/) > [Senior Tories have exhibited a brand of entitled arrogance that implies that they own Brexit. It seems that anyone else who claims its mantle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/senior-tories-have-exhibited-a-brand-of-entitled-arrogance-that/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [I confess that when I hear Boris Johnson's slogan let's get Brexit done it sends a chill. Because it's let's get Brexit done so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/i-confess-that-when-i-hear-boris-johnson-s-slogan-let-s-get-brexit/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [One lesson of the vote for Brexit was that citizens were fed up being treated as bystanders. One of the gains of Leave was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/one-lesson-of-the-vote-for-brexit-was-that-citizens-were-fed-up-being/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [Left to their own devices, the Tories will squash the life out of what Brexit really represents in terms of the chance to shake…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/left-to-their-own-devices-the-tories-will-squash-the-life-out-of-what/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [Brexit has changed everything in British politics - it has blown open a cosy, zombie-like closed world of Westminster parliamentary politics. It has broken…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/brexit-has-changed-everything-in-british-politics-it-has-blown-open-a/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [Theresa May, a Remainer, assumed that all of the Brexit voters are racist, thinks we will use this to kick British citizens out of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/theresa-may-a-remainer-assumed-that-all-of-the-brexit-voters-are/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [The first job of the Brexit Party is to make sure Brexit's delivered and if that involves electoral pacts, that might happen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/the-first-job-of-the-brexit-party-is-to-make-sure-brexit-s-delivered/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [One of the great tragedies of Brexit has been that despite the fact there was an unprecedented public vote for change, Brexit was almost…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/one-of-the-great-tragedies-of-brexit-has-been-that-despite-the-fact/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [One thing we can be sure of is that Brexit will leave its mark on the E.U.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/one-thing-we-can-be-sure-of-is-that-brexit-will-leave-its-mark-on-the/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) ## More by Claire Fox > [My political views have never made me insensitive to the pain and suffering caused to the innocent victims of events such as the Warrington…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/my-political-views-have-never-made-me-insensitive-to-the-pain-and/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [Welsh voices and Welsh communities were heard in 2016 in their tens of thousands, in their droves. They voted to leave the European Union…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/welsh-voices-and-welsh-communities-were-heard-in-2016-in-their-tens/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [An ever-widening definition of abuse can incite a culture of fear and complaint: encouraging teachers and girls to name and shame could mean labelling…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/an-ever-widening-definition-of-abuse-can-incite-a-culture-of-fear-and/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [I would never say don't have an argument.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/i-would-never-say-don-t-have-an-argument/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [There is a strand of self-absorption and fragility running through this generation; all too ready to cry 'victim' at the first hint of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/there-is-a-strand-of-self-absorption-and-fragility-running-through/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [One thing we can be sure of is that Brexit will leave its mark on the E.U.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/one-thing-we-can-be-sure-of-is-that-brexit-will-leave-its-mark-on-the/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [I think the idea of journalists being neutral is very important.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/i-think-the-idea-of-journalists-being-neutral-is-very-important/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [If you lose an argument it doesn't mean you change your mind but you have to accept the decision.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/if-you-lose-an-argument-it-doesn-t-mean-you-change-your-mind-but-you/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [I have fought for open immigration which is something I disagree with Nigel Farage on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/i-have-fought-for-open-immigration-which-is-something-i-disagree-with/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [I confess that when I hear Boris Johnson's slogan let's get Brexit done it sends a chill. Because it's let's get Brexit done so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/i-confess-that-when-i-hear-boris-johnson-s-slogan-let-s-get-brexit/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [Yes, we know that obesity is an issue, but it isn't the end of the world as is reported everywhere.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/yes-we-know-that-obesity-is-an-issue-but-it-isn-t-the-end-of-the/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [There was such a sense of relief on the left when New Labour came to power that certain orthodoxies could not be challenged. People…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/there-was-such-a-sense-of-relief-on-the-left-when-new-labour-came-to/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [The first job of the Brexit Party is to make sure Brexit's delivered and if that involves electoral pacts, that might happen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/the-first-job-of-the-brexit-party-is-to-make-sure-brexit-s-delivered/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [One of the great tragedies of Brexit has been that despite the fact there was an unprecedented public vote for change, Brexit was almost…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/one-of-the-great-tragedies-of-brexit-has-been-that-despite-the-fact/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) > [If you challenge multiculturalism you are seen to be a racist. But it's a political philosophy that needs to be looked at. If you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/if-you-challenge-multiculturalism-you-are-seen-to-be-a-racist-but-it/) [Claire Fox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) [Explore all 100 Claire Fox quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/) ## More Brexit quotes > [No-deal Brexit could be Boris Johnson's biggest deception yet - worse than the Boris bus or the lies that had him sacked as a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ed-davey/no-deal-brexit-could-be-boris-johnson-s-biggest-deception-yet-worse/) [Ed Davey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ed-davey/) > [And after Brexit, we will be free to determine our economic future, with control over our money, laws and borders.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liz-truss/and-after-brexit-we-will-be-free-to-determine-our-economic-future/) [Liz Truss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liz-truss/) > [No one voted for a Brexit that will tie us to the E.U.'s customs rules and prevent us striking meaningful trade deals of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-johnson/no-one-voted-for-a-brexit-that-will-tie-us-to-the-e-u-s-customs-rules/) [Jo Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-johnson/) > [The argument that won the Brexit campaign is the one that said take back control... which is another way of saying we want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frans-timmermans/the-argument-that-won-the-brexit-campaign-is-the-one-that-said-take/) [Frans Timmermans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frans-timmermans/) > [The audience for facts, evidence and research about microtargeting, Facebook and Brexit is tiny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dominic-cummings/the-audience-for-facts-evidence-and-research-about-microtargeting/) [Dominic Cummings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dominic-cummings/) > [I am a passionate, pragmatic, and positive believer in Brexit, and with my three-step plan, we can decisively leave the E.U.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrea-leadsom/i-am-a-passionate-pragmatic-and-positive-believer-in-brexit-and-with/) [Andrea Leadsom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrea-leadsom/) > [The important thing with Facebook is to remember that it played a role in facilitating Brexit because it inadvertently allowed leave-supporting groups to use…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nish-kumar/the-important-thing-with-facebook-is-to-remember-that-it-played-a/) [Nish Kumar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nish-kumar/) > [Brexit has always been an impossible project, except at the price of massive self-harm.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-adonis-baron-adonis/brexit-has-always-been-an-impossible-project-except-at-the-price-of/) [Andrew Adonis, Baron Adonis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-adonis-baron-adonis/) > [Whatever happens with Brexit, what I am absolutely convinced will not happen is that free movement of individuals, free movement of people, will not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-varadkar/whatever-happens-with-brexit-what-i-am-absolutely-convinced-will-not/) [Leo Varadkar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-varadkar/) > [I think one of the laughable things about poor old Brexit is that they're so cross - they're furious with everyone. But this isn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-soames/i-think-one-of-the-laughable-things-about-poor-old-brexit-is-that/) [Nicholas Soames](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-soames/) > [Brexit has really broken a taboo. The Brits have shown us that you can leave the European Union, and you can come out better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marine-le-pen/brexit-has-really-broken-a-taboo-the-brits-have-shown-us-that-you-can/) [Marine Le Pen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marine-le-pen/) > [People are rightly concerned about what Brexit will mean for the country, for their jobs and for their families.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kemi-badenoch/people-are-rightly-concerned-about-what-brexit-will-mean-for-the/) [Kemi Badenoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kemi-badenoch/) > [Brexit is not, thankfully, a question of war. But, like Iraq, Brexit is an act of unprovoked self-harm and a massive strategic mistake that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-adonis-baron-adonis/brexit-is-not-thankfully-a-question-of-war-but-like-iraq-brexit-is-an/) [Andrew Adonis, Baron Adonis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-adonis-baron-adonis/) > [I'll keep fighting for the best, most successful Brexit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dominic-raab/i-ll-keep-fighting-for-the-best-most-successful-brexit/) [Dominic Raab](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dominic-raab/) > [The skills necessary to change nappies or negotiate Brexit are obviously very different, but both involve a great deal of trust in the competence…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gavin-esler/the-skills-necessary-to-change-nappies-or-negotiate-brexit-are/) [Gavin Esler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gavin-esler/) [Browse all 412 Brexit quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brexit/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If the widespread attempts to block Brexit gave us a glimpse into how fragile our commitment to democracy had become - reduced to a technocratic in-name-only veneer - reactions to Covid are a stark reminder that freedom cannot be assumed as a social norm that's deeply embedded into our institutions and our psyche.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Claire Fox" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brexit-gave-us-a-glimpse-into-how/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Brexit" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brexit-gave-us-a-glimpse-into-how/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf0/claire-fox-5598_brexit_if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brex_2911526.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf0/claire-fox-5598_brexit_if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brex_2911526.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf0/claire-fox-5598_brexit_if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brex_2911526.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“If the widespread attempts to block Brexit gave us a glimpse into how fragile our commitment to democracy…” — Claire Fox", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Claire Fox", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-fox/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "If the widespread attempts to block...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brexit-gave-us-a-glimpse-into-how/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-fox/if-the-widespread-attempts-to-block-brexit-gave-us-a-glimpse-into-how/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```