Destructive storytelling: Disinformation and the Eurosceptic myth that shaped Brexit

Imke Henkel's book (2021) is a systematic study of the journalistic history of Euroscepticism in British media. Using the notion of Barthesian myth and a critical discursive approach, Henkel thoroughly explains the rise and persistent presence of factual inaccuracies in British media regarding the European Union.

Tracing this historical development, she demonstrates that such factual inaccuracies are neither new – having started at least as early as the early 90s – nor particularly varied – often revolving around alleged absurd regulations by the EU which are demonstrably untrue. In fact, one of the persistent features of these myths in the media is their repetition over the years to the point that fact checking has become ineffective and newer stories, repeating the older inaccuracies, rely on the myths for their rhetorical strength.

Throughout this book Henkel demonstrates, using an analytic approach informed by Critical Discourse Analysis and content analysis, the broader structure of Eurosceptic discourse in British media. Unfolding both the discursive and narrative styles of Euroscepticism in British media, she highlights how these myths, in conjunction with particular narrative styles produce a powerful, and simplified, anti-EU discourse that is effective and difficult to counter through careful fact-checking (which the EU did engage with, to limited effect, for some time).

A striking point in her book is the influential role of Boris Johnson, especially in the early 90s, in the propagation of these myths. Hardly the only one responsible, her book highlights how his presence has, so to speak, come full circle with his eventual overseeing of Brexit.

Overall, this book provides an excellent overview of the history and structure of Eurosceptic discourse in British media. It is a prime example of how Eurosceptic ideologies are not so much reliant on factual accuracy. While this may be a better-known notion in some analytic traditions, such as discursive psychology, this book presents an important empirical case for it.

The content analytic approach shows a broad systematic structure to Eurosceptic discourse. This would also benefit from matching empirical work that could look to the rhetorical nuance of individual stories, to provide both micro and macro examples of Eurosceptic discourse. For example, the helpful discussion of humour and mirth would have further benefitted from a more detailed discursive analysis.

Given that we are still waiting to see the long-term social and political consequences of Brexit, it is of paramount importance to understand how such Eurosceptic discourse – and, indeed, pro-EU discourse – is presented to the voting populace. Henkel has given us an excellent empirical monograph in that direction.

Article from the Political Psychology Section Autumn 2022 Bulletin