The Aachen Memorandum
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Andrew Roberts |
| Products | Thriller novel |
The Aachen Memorandum is a thriller novel published in 1995 by Andrew Roberts. The writer characterizes it as "a dystopian projection of Britain’s potential future as a subordinate region within a vast, protectionist, illiberal, politically correct, and anti-American EU."
Plot
The story unfolds after a 2015 UK referendum on joining a United States of Europe established by the Treaty of Aachen. The slim 51.86% majority in favor results in Britain's incorporation into this federation. Three decades later, historian Horatio Lestocq from All Souls College discovers proof that the referendum was manipulated by a pro-European elite. Amid violent incidents, including an assassination attempt on Prince William Mountbatten-Windsor—exiled son of the late King Charles III and current monarch of New Zealand—Lestocq reveals the electoral fraud. This revelation triggers the reestablishment of UK sovereignty, with Lestocq receiving a baronetcy and becoming editor of The Times following the annulment of the EU's 'Classlessness Directive.'
The novel offers satirical forecasts for actual individuals: in 2016, underground Anti-Federalist Movement members are detained, among them former The Times editor Matthew d'Ancona, ex-ministers Hywel Williams and Iain Duncan-Smith, broadcaster Dr. Niall Ferguson, and Michael Gove. By 2045, John Redwood heads the 'Free British Office' in Oslo after escaping incarceration.
Anticipations of Brexit referendum
This work anticipates elements of the 2016 Brexit vote. Its fictional 2015 campaign depicts business leaders warning that a 'No' outcome would trigger widespread unemployment, while the "chattering classes" strongly back 'Yes.' The government heavily finances the pro-EU campaign; London votes overwhelmingly to join, whereas the north-east region opposes entry by 56% to 44%. Contrary to the actual 2016 referendum results, support for leaving is portrayed as coming from Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Opinions
The Socialist Review, publication of the Socialist Workers Party, described Roberts as "a right-wing Thatcherite historian" and argued that any European superstate in 2045 "would be constructed through cuts to welfare and assaults on workers’ organizations, governed by the Thatcherite figures Roberts admires."
Stephen Powell interpreted the novel as an expression of Eurosceptic sentiment during a period when a revitalized Labour Party under Tony Blair advocated stronger pro-European policies. Steven Fielding, professor at University of Nottingham, observed that it reflects anxieties of a Thatcher supporter aligned with Michael Portillo’s ambitions, fearful that patriotic perspectives would be suppressed by Brussels’ drive toward a federal super-state.
After the 2016 referendum, Roberts conceded that his book "tried to combine whodunnit, dystopia, thriller and comedy but failed so badly I ask friends not to read it." Nevertheless, it includes a 2045 referendum where Britain votes to exit, leading Roberts to muse on his possible role as a Tory Nostradamus.