Thus The Economist today. “A British exit from the European Union looks increasingly possible,” elaborates the newspaper. “It would be a reckless gamble.” Judging by the opinion polls, the gamble is nigh. The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) has moved from the political margins to the mainstream. The referendum on membership appears to be drawing near, and the leading countries in the Union are growing increasingly annoyed. However, the article warns of a double tragedy, both for Britain and the Union. Although it acknowledges a few gains for Britain, it focuses on many loses. Perhaps the most serious one is for the City, which would be cast adrift in the turbulent financial world. Curiously, the article offers next to nothing about gains and losses for the Union. The double tragedy thus comes across as a single one, for Britain only. To wit, the Union needs to be enlightened about the consequences of the departure of one of its largest and most developed members. Given its place in the enlightened media, the mighty newspaper has its job cut out. “Goodbye Britain” is the title of another article I can already envisage. And I look forward to being persuaded. Pace UKIP.