New Zealand’s decision on the flag has lessons for Britain’s EU referendum | Martin Kettle

Voters across the world, when given the chance to change things, tend to stick with what they know. Will this mean no Brexit?

Never underestimate the capacity of human beings to step back from the brink; or in many cases their wisdom in choosing to do so. That would seem to be the wider message from New Zealand’s national flag referendum this week. The more you think about it, the more reassuring that message seems right now.

Look at the current New Zealand flag. What proud independent nation – and no one can doubt that New Zealand is one of those – would want a flag dominated by another country’s? Especially when that other country is the former colonial power thousands of miles away. And even more when you are a country that is nowadays extraordinarily aware of its own racial history and mix. A modern New Zealand flag for a modern New Zealand would seem a no-brainer to me.

Related: New Zealand votes to keep its flag after 56.6% back the status quo

In 1975, British voters opted to remain in Europe; in 2011, to keep the alternative vote

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