English Suspenders and Brexit

Suspenders and Brexit, a strange combination? At first glance, perhaps, because suspenders are not mentioned for the first time in English history books, but in American ones. In 1736, Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer fire department in Philadelphia and instructed his firemen to wear red suspenders. But let's not be fooled, because the relationship between suspenders and England also goes back a long way.

The Suspenders by Albert Thurston

In 1820, Albert Thurston founded the first suspender shop in London. Albert Thurston quickly realised that this was a gap in the market, as high-waisted trousers with a wide waistband were fashionable at the time and a belt that cuts into your waist is simply not ideal. Even after almost 200 years, the British still frequent Albert Thurston's shop to stock up on quality suspenders. But it is not just the British who belong to Albert Thurston's clientele; Albert Thurston's famous suspenders are also regularly seen on film stars, kings, princes and presidents.

Brexit

On June 23, 2016, the British voted in a referendum to leave the EU. Although they appreciated free trade, the lack of tariffs on imports and exports, and the lack of border controls, they were increasingly annoyed by the interference from Brussels, which imposed more and more rules and laws on the British. In addition, membership in the EU costs a lot of money. Margaret Thatcher negotiated a special tariff in 1979, but the amount is still too high for the British.

After the 2016 referendum, it took until March 29, 2017 for the British to write a letter to Brussels declaring that they wanted to leave the EU. Since Brexit involves many complications, a two-year exit procedure was set. This deadline expired on March 29, 2019.

Meanwhile, we know that this deadline was not met. When Prime Minister May failed to get the Brexit agreement through the British Parliament, she resigned. The EU then granted the British a further extension until October 31, 2019. Currently, the new Prime Minister Boris Johnson is negotiating a new agreement with the EU. It seems that Boris Johnson is close to concluding a new deal, but he too has not managed to do so before the specified deadline. The Prime Minister has again asked for an extension and this has been granted by the EU again. A new deadline of January 31, 2020 has been set. Johnson must manage to get the Brexit agreement through the British Parliament by then.

In order for the British to leave the EU without chaos, many new agreements are necessary. In the four decades that Great Britain was part of the EU, many agreements were made that both parties want to stick to, despite Brexit. However, it remains to be seen how Boris Johnson will bring this matter to a close.

Brexit and the Suspenders

Will anything change when buying suspenders when the UK leaves the EU? Not really. However, it could be that the prices for English suspenders could increase slightly due to additional administrative work at customs.

suspenders for politicians

Last but not least, we have a few styling tips for politicians involved in Brexit. After all, it is important that they make a good impression during important discussions. You've probably already guessed: what's better for this than a nice pair of suspenders?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson

As Prime Minister, Boris Johnson opts for a classic look. That's why we have a pair of classic white suspenders by Albert Thurston This iconic couple is also portrayed by James Bond in the film Casino Royal A pair of suspenders that exudes class and authority and with which one is seen. Exactly what Johnson needs to get the new Brexit deal through the British Parliament.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn is the leader of the Labour Party in Great Britain. He is actually the opponent of Boris Johnson, who belongs to the Conservatives. We have also chosen a pair of braces for Jeremy Corbyn, namely the red braces by Profuomo . The striking color represents the Labour Party's negative attitude towards Brexit. Jeremy Corbyn's party would prefer to stay in the EU.

The President of the European Council Donald Tusk

As President of the European Council, Donald Tusk is constantly busy making agreements for the Brexit deal. As President, we like to see Donald Tusk with blue Profumo suspenders . In addition, Profumo's braces are made in Poland, the country where Donald Tusk is from and where he was Prime Minister for seven years. These striking blue braces perfectly complement the blue tailored suit that Tusk often wears.

Brexit will probably not cause as much of a stir outside of Great Britain as it has on the big island itself. However, British politicians will have their hands full in the coming months to get Brexit done as smoothly as possible. It would be nice if an agreement could be reached by January 31, 2020 that would allow the British to leave the EU without any problems and without causing too much damage to cooperation.