Ringo Starr Supports Brexit: “Let’s get on with it”

In the world today, the line between what’s considered acceptable nationalism and controversial nationalism is rather blurred. People are free to feel passionate about their home country, of course, but sometimes actions that emerge from such passion can come off as misguided and hurtful. Some would cite the current societal climate in the United States as an example of this, while others would look no further than the controversial pro-Brexit vote of 2016.

As you will recall, a referendum was held on June 23, 2016 to determine whether or not U.K. citizens would want the United Kingdom to exit the European Union. After the ballots were tallied, 51.9% of voters opted to leave the EU. In the U.K. and beyond, this decision was met with much enthusiasm and stark critique.

Regardless, the process of Brexit continues to move forward, but apparently not fast enough for Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.

Ringo Starr

During an interview this week with BBC Newsnight, Starr – who has lived in Monaco, not a Yellow Submarine, for years now – said of Brexit: “The people voted and, you know, they have to get on with it. Suddenly, it’s like, ‘Oh, well, we don’t like that vote.’ What do you mean you don’t like that vote? You had the vote, this is what won, let’s get on with it.”

When Starr was asked if he would’ve voted in favour of Brexit, he added: “Yeah, I would have voted to get out… But don’t tell Bob Geldof.”

“I think it’s a great move,” Starr continued. “To be in control of your country is a good move.”

Ringo Starr

On September 15, Starr will release his 19th studio album, “Give More Love.”

-Adam Grant

In past episodes of “Conversations with Conrad,” Conrad Black conducted in-depth interviews with two of Brexit’s biggest advocates: Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson. You can watch both of those interviews, in their entirety, below.