• by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, July 5, 2016

Amid the political and economic fallout from Britain’s referendum vote to leave the European Union, it’s becoming clear that the decision really hasn’t decided anything. Just about half the voting public wanted to stay in the EU, and they’re not happy with the outcome, to put it mildly.

An online petition to hold another referendum (best two out of three, perhaps?) has attracted millions of signatures. Others are suggesting that the anti-Brexit majority in Parliament somehow overrule the will of the people. Democracy inaction!

Well, even if they have to say goodbye to the EU, pro-European Brits can still find some solace in a new, albeit temporary, newspaper published just for them.

British publisher Archant is going to distribute a “pop-up” newspaper to “give voice to those dismayed by Brexit.” Called The New European, the first of four issues of the newspaper will hit the newsstands on July 8 with a cover price of £2. More issues may be in store if the first four are a hit.

In keeping with its avowedly cosmopolitan mission and editorial tone, The New European will cover culture, business, sports, food and entertainment with a cross-Channel (that’s the English Channel), pan-European focus. In response to pro-Brexit campaigner Michael Gove’s breezy dismissal of expert opinion, Archant says there will be plenty of experts writing and opining in its pages – but no politicians.

Archant chief content officer Matt Kelly, who is serving as the launch editor for The New European, explained the newspaper’s mission and approach: “We are currently in an extraordinary period of time in the UK, with all of society seemingly in a state of flux and turmoil. I believe the 48% who voted to Remain are not well served by the traditional press… It will upset Michael Gove to hear that we value very highly expertise and have some of the world’s best brains in their areas writing for us. And it is also a politician-free zone. They are banned.”

Logically enough, the newspaper will be sold primarily in areas that voted heavily to “Remain” in the EU, including London, Liverpool, Manchester and the south of England.

Archant stated that the newspaper’s popularity will be decided in future issues, with a bit of dry English wit: “Every issue will be a collector’s item. After the Issue 4, every week’s sale will be a referendum on the next.”