Let down, but not panicked: British expats in Philadelphia react to Brexit

Howard Silverstone, an accountant in Haddonfield, New Jersey, advises his countrymen to not panic — “keep calm and carry on,” as the old British saw goes. The Philadelphia region is one of Britain’s biggest treading partners in the U.S., and these are not relationships that you just change overnight.”

When asked on June 23, “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?” 51.9 percent of British voters said they should leave. The impact of the decision is not yet fully understood, but the vote has stirred controversy and consternation the world over.

Howard Silverstone, an accountant in Haddonfield, New Jersey, advises his countrymen to not panic — “keep calm and carry on,” as the old British saw goes. He says he expects not a slump in the economy, but a slowing of growth. The Philadelphia region is one of Britain’s biggest treading partners in the U.S., and these are not relationships that you just change overnight.”

Other expats, patrons of the Victoria Freehouse in Philadelphia, say they are disappointed that the U.K. has given in to xenophobic fears and sided with isolationist tendencies. Yeah, says one, the EU needed reform, but now Brits have excused themselves from participation in that reform.

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Video produced by Dave Angilella for NewsWorks.