The
issue is becoming all too familiar - and tiresome, too. Yet, we can’t afford to
retreat into some safe space. Brexit is big time stuff and being informed and
understanding the times can bring us halfway towards a solution.
In
June 2016, the British electorate voted 52% to 48% to leave the European Union,
a regional bloc they had been a part of since 1973. This is no small move and
can be rightly seen as the biggest issue facing the United Kingdom since the
end of the second world war. In many ways, it is like a grand geo-political
divorce. Brexit became part of British law. Article 50 of the EU was invoked by
the UK in March 2017, basically serving notice that it intended to leave the
Union in 2 years time.
The
referendum resulted in the resignation of then Tory Prime Minister David
Cameron and the rise of Theresa May as his successor. Like a dutiful minister,
Mrs. May has worked hard to implement the will of the people, so it seems. Yet,
there have been challenges on every side and the task was never going to be
easy.
Ultimately,
Mrs. May came up with a withdrawal agreement that was approved by the 27 other
members of the European Union. However, the House of Commons of the British
Parliament voted it down 3 times, all for various reasons: not a big enough
break, according to the Brexiters, and ‘Remainers’ voted ‘No’ since they don’t
believe in Brexit at all.
The
deadline of March 29, 2019, when Britain was meant to leave the EU, was
scotched for an extension until the 12 April (without an agreement) or May 22
if an agreement. May’s deal was voted down yet again and 12 April loomed. Since
the UK parliament opposes ‘No deal’ as much as they opposed ‘May’s deal,’ the
prime minister to ask the EU for another extension. The UK was given until
October 31, 2019 - Halloween. Is this a treat? Or is it a trick? Or neither?
Unless
Mrs. May convinces Parliament to back her deal, or convinces the EU to
renegotiate the deal on offer, the UK must participate in the European elections.
Nigel Farage, known to many as ‘Mr. Brexit,’ founded a new Brexit party, and is
already gaining much traction. They will be probably siphon off votes from the
Tories.
So
what are the options?
1.
May’s Withdrawal Deal: Vote for a
4th, 5th, or even 6th time to get this deal approved by parliament;
2.
Renegotiate the deal with the EU: Take the
most objectionable sections, like the ‘Irish backstop’ involving Northern
Ireland and the Irish Republic, and renegotiate them. The EU said they will not
renegotiate and added that there is zero appetite among their members for
dealing with this issue;
3.
Another referendum: This is
favoured by the left-wing parties and persons. After all, if the politicians
can’t decide, let the people do so. Sounds so democratic - but is it? What
message is it sending? That the politicians failed to implement a decision the
voters approved of? Let’s keep asking them until the elites get the result they
want?
4.
Another national election: The Brexit
impasse could lead to a fall in government and fresh national elections. The
Tories could be severely punished for the Brexit impasse and it is possible
that the Labour Party could get in. Their leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is considered
further left than America’s Bernie Sanders.
5.
Cancel Brexit: All the UK has to do is
revoke Article 50, Brexit would be cancelled, and Britain would not leave the
EU at all. It is technically possible and would delight ‘Remainers.’ Yet,
Theresa May said she will not cancel Brexit. In a government statement,
it said that the revocation of Article 50 ‘would break the promises made by
government to the British people, disrespect the clear instruction from a
democratic vote, and in turn, reduce confidence in our democracy. ‘ Brexit is
part of British law.
6.
No deal: The October 31st
deadline could come and go, no further extensions are offered, and the UK could
simply leave the EU without a deal. What would happen then? Some say ‘no deal’ means
the UK would ‘crash out’ of the EU, making it sound like a catastrophe. Technically,
current EU trade agreements, customs arrangements, and rights of citizens would
be voided overnight. For sure, a ‘no deal’ scenario needs to be well-planned
ahead of time. One thing would happen - regarding trade, the UK would go from ‘EU
rules’ to ‘World Trade Organisation rules.’ Other issues would need to be
addressed, better sooner than later.
While
there is a host of considerations, and ‘divorces’ can be painful and messy, a
couple of points need to be born in mind:
A.
No matter what happens, expect some pain.
However, if it is change for the better, it is worth it;
B.
Europe needs Britain and vice-versa. The ‘great
wall of China’ will not be erected in the event of a UK departure from the EU.
Both sides need each other;
C.
British stock is known for its durability.
After all, any nation that survived Norman invasions, changing of dynasties,
the War of the Roses, the Spanish Armada, the execution of a monarch, the
Glorious Revolution, the loss of the American colonies, industrial and
agricultural revolutions, an abdication crises, Nazi blitzkrieg, two world
wars, 30 years of trouble over Northern Ireland, and much more … should be able
to handle Brexit.
D.
Power of prayer: it can move mountains. Thus,
for Britain’s sake, it is time to put it into practice.
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