Is it the language?

About the only thing we seem to have in common with the US right now, is our language.

And about the only thing we don’t have in common with our European neighbours, is our language.

Does that explain the “special relationship” and Brexit?

The UK and the US have significant cultural and societal differences. Here are some major ones:

• Guns. We think it’s a very bad idea to make guns freely available to anyone and everyone - even lunatics.

• Health Care. We think it’s a really good thing to provide “free” health care to all.

• Patriotism. Of course we love to see “our team” win, but we don’t go in for widespread, flag-waving jingoism. And we don’t conflate our leaders with our country.

• Religion. Not once have I heard a Brit suggest that we should have a Christian government. It would never occur to them.

But there are also many subtle differences. And yes, some national stereotyping follows. We believe in fair play; we are not sore losers; we don’t take ourselves too seriously; we are self-effacing; and we don’t believe we have a God-given right to… well anything.

And broadly speaking, we have this in common with our European neighbours.