John Cleese has confirmed that he is selling his flat just off Sloane Square in London and is emigrating to Nevis in the Caribbean, bemoaning the fact that London no longer feels like an English city due to immigration.
As one commentator observed today, Cleese has just as much right as any other elderly white English millionaire to complain about immigration into London from the comfort of his home in the Leewards. But one wonders what sort of welcome awaits him in paradise. Will there be semi-retired Nevisian comedian waiting to greet him with complaints about the influx of Englishmen ? After all, what have the British ever done for Nevis? Well yes, there is colonialism, war, slavery, environmental destruction, and deforestation. But apart from that...?
Nevis is known as a tax haven. London has gained a reputation as a playground where corrupt foreigners can deposit, invest and spend their ill gotten gains although the National Crime Agency seems to be having a bit of a go at rooting some of them out. Perhaps London and Nevis are more alike than Cleese seems to think?
Here's to a long and happy retirement for John Cleese.
-- Edited by smiler on Wednesday 29th of May 2019 02:39:35 PM
He is reported as tweeting: ''Some years ago I opined that London was not really an English city any more. Virtually all my friends from abroad have confirmed my observation. So there must be some truth in it..."
' Virtually all my friends from abroad have confirmed' his 'observation'. That part of the tweet should've somehow made some people smile. Cleese and the majority of his mates live abroad! He's old school, a comedy legend and a very naughty boy.
I considered this somewhat. I dont think there is anything ironic. He lived in London for most of his life and is entitled to what is really a supported observation.
I think the issue of him being rich is not part of the observation at all. Its a purely cultural change motivated observation.
To entangle British political motives with Cleese or the people of London is very bad comedy.
However, to suggest remoaners are basically willing to support both the rich and the institutions of the rich while protesting about capitalism while conflating all the social issues that they say concern only them is irony.
Cleese himself seems to me to be closer to an old style British liberal and as such is quite in line with his comments.