Sir Ian McKellen thinks he’ll be ‘long dead’ before Brexit happens: ‘I’ve withdrawn emotionally from the race’
Actor previously cautioned against Brexit in 2016
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Ian McKellen has said he believes he will be “long dead” by the time Brexit happens, and implied that he no longer wants to offer his view on the subject.
Speaking to Press Association, the actor said: “Oh good God, when I’m long dead they still won’t have the Brexit deal complete, so I think I won’t take a view on it.”
He continued: “I’ve withdrawn entirely, emotionally, from the race and am now watching it as a bit of chess and all I can say is they are wretched players and don’t know a pawn from a queen.”
The UK was supposed to leave the European Union on 31 March, but was granted an extension to 31 October. Brexit has now been pushed back again to 31 January 2020.
McKellen previously cautioned against Brexit in 2016, when he highlighted the role Brussels played in helping to push through gay equality legislation.
“Now is the time to be backing Europe and giving back that sense of empowerment to countries in the European Union that are still very backward in this regard,” he told The Telegraph.
However, he also added that it “wouldn’t be the end of the world” and thought it was “up to the youngsters to decide, really.”
McKellen’s most recent comment on Brexit comes after a surge in the number of people under 35 registering to vote in the first few days since MPs agreed to hold a general election on 12 December,
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments