Notable by absence in the current Brexit debate. Any kind of a realistic positive vision for the post-EU UK - in terms of economy, business, international relations.
This might become a thread 1/
This might become a thread 1/
It looks like we're going to stagger over the line in March 2019 exhausted and divided by the battles that will have led us to whatever the outcome is. Chances are it will be to an uncertain future for business and individuals, in some kind of transition period to something 2/
It is hard to see the country being in any way united post-2019. Numerous remainers already feel cheated and ignored. Brexiteers are crying betrayal about current Government plans. And if the future remains uncertain they will continue re-running the referendum 3/
I have seen no sensible reconciliation plan, merely a few plans that claim to be concerned with both sides but require one or the other to give up something they hold dear (remaining / leaving with no deal). 4/
The nearest we've seen to a vision. We can do trade deals. Which don't come for free. So why do we want them? What would they cost us? Would we do a trade deal that helps financial services and hurts farming? We don't know. 5/
We can also change regulations. Which ones? This would be inevitably controversial. And potential trade agreement partners will want to know what our plans are with regard to regulations. Do we have an answer? 6/
Or there's the Lexit idea, that we're suddenly going to nationalise everything, buy British, and subsidise to our hearts content. In which case no trade deals for us, as these are not in keeping with modern trade agreements. 7/
Indeed, any potential partner is going to wary of negotiating with post-Brexit UK until all of this becomes clearer. They will want the UK to bring clarity, and this is likely to be in short supply in March 2019. 8/
With respect, and taking sides, it is those advocating leave that have to set out the vision. Rather than writing silly articles saying Professor Minford proves post-Brexit UK streets will be paved with gold because the WTO is a magic money tree. 9/
Some Brexiteers have already laid out a vision - those advocating EEA. This has encouraged some conversation that shows signs of reconciliation. There are flickerings from those advocating FTA models, but with more work required. 10/
We're running out of time, and have a government apparently incapable of vision or reconciliation. We have a live negotiation drawing to a conclusion, without us being anything like ready. 11/
Most likely outcome remains a close relationship with the EU over coming years which enables us to tackle the issues over time. But that will barely resolve the situation. Difficult times without obvious solutions. 12/ ends
