Jacob Rees-Mogg: The EU is a Threat to Democracy | | Oxford Union

The Making of a Eurosceptic Statesman

Jacob William Rees-Mogg, born on 24 May 1969, is a prominent figure in British political history, known for his articulate defence of British sovereignty against what he perceived as the overreach of the European Union. Rees-Mogg, a member of the Conservative Party and a staunch social conservative, has been representing the North East Somerset constituency as a Member of Parliament (MP) since the 2010 general election.

Rees-Mogg's background is steeped in academic rigor and financial acumen. He attended the prestigious Eton College and went on to study history at Trinity College, Oxford, where he served as the President of the Oxford University Conservative Association. After his studies, he entered the world of finance, working in London and Hong Kong for Lloyd George Management. In 2007, he co-founded Somerset Capital Management LLP, amassing a significant fortune estimated between £55 million and £150 million in 2016, inclusive of his wife's expected inheritance.

A Parliamentarian with a Distinctive Voice

Within the Conservative Party, Rees-Mogg joined the traditionalist and socially conservative Cornerstone Group, demonstrating his alignment with traditional values. His political career is marked by a reputation for rebellion. During David Cameron's premiership, he became one of the Conservative Party's most rebellious MPs, known for his articulate speeches, firm stances, and not infrequently, his filibustering in parliamentary debates.

Throughout his political career, Rees-Mogg's Euroscepticism has been a central pillar of his philosophy. His strong opposition to the European Union found full expression in October 2013, when he railed against the EU at a debate at the Oxford Union, an esteemed debating society known for hosting international speakers. He argued vehemently against what he termed the EU's "contempt for public opinion," contending that the EU's demand for repeated referenda on its treaties until they were approved and its role in the removal of elected leaders in countries like Greece and Italy reflected its undemocratic tendencies.

Championing the Brexit Cause

Rees-Mogg's arguments contributed significantly to the growing discontent with the European Union, which eventually culminated in the Brexit referendum of 2016. His critique of the EU's impact on member states' democracies added to the intellectual underpinnings of the Brexit campaign.

Beyond his influence on Brexit, Rees-Mogg has held prominent positions within the government. Under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, he served as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council from 2019 to 2022. In 2022, he assumed the role of Minister of State for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency, embodying his commitment to making the most of Britain's post-EU era.

A Man of Conviction and Controversy

Rees-Mogg's distinctive style, marked by his upper-class mannerisms and consciously traditionalist attitudes, has been a source of both praise and criticism. Admirers have lauded him as a conviction politician, whose stance on issues is guided by a deep-seated philosophy rather than political expediency. However, detractors have criticised him as a reactionary figure, dubbing him the "Honourable Member for the 18th century." Despite the controversy, his contributions to the debates over Britain's place in Europe and his strong defence of British sovereignty have secured his place in the annals of British political history.

In summary, Jacob Rees-Mogg's legacy, with its striking combination of intellectual rigor, staunch conservatism, and Euroscepticism, is a testament to the rich diversity of thought within the British political tradition. As a prominent voice in the nation's Eurosceptic discourse, he has significantly shaped the country's political trajectory and its heritage.