I don't think this is an unfair viewpoint, and I definitely don't think it merits attack.
I agree with it....but I also disagree with it because today I had some controversial thoughts of my own. (Thread)
I agree with it....but I also disagree with it because today I had some controversial thoughts of my own. (Thread)
I was thinking maybe we shouldn't have a referendum in 2018, and instead ask for an extension to allow the government to negotiate the very best deal, and then have a referendum on what they come back with. Instead of what we're doing now, which is, quite frankly, nuts.
I’m honestly not sure it’s fair to Leavers if we get to March 2019 and the government offer a referendum on the status quo or no deal purely as a result of the incompetence of our government. (or Remainers, David Davis, Michael Stipe, or whoever you want to blame…)
For me it would make sense to give ourselves the opportunity to properly explore the possibilities and to try and achieve a positive outcome for this country, rather than continuing in the damaging direction we are currently heading.
When, and only when, we have dedicated enough time, and we can say we went about this properly, should we consider taking it back to the people to get approval.
I think we can say the 2016 “but we’re the 5th biggest economy/German car manufacturers” experiment is dead. We’re not getting the deal the Leave campaign said was almost guaranteed to happen.
But why can’t we have a 2018 experiment?
We are heading for difficult times in the United Kingdom, and desperate times mean we need to ask ourselves what sort of country we are deep down inside.
Are we the sort of country that wants to head into the future with such damaging political polarisation, or are we the kind of country that will make an effort to understand both each other and the difficulties ahead?
Isn’t it right that we should want out government to act both in our best interest and in line with the 2016 referendum until such a time that the vision promised can be delivered, or we conclude that it is, in fact, beyond our power?
And isn’t it not right if the case of the latter that the people are consulted on the basis the political class has oversold its hand, as it has done for centuries before?
If the United Kingdom is to come out of this well, we need more wisdom and rationality with less division and political recklessness.
We need to be prepared to be honest with ourselves as a country, and in that same vein I ask: What are the arguments against an extension?
One of the arguments is that business need certainty, but I’d argue they don’t want the certainty of no deal, and in the face of it, an extension to avoid it would be preferable.
Another is that the European Union won’t agree to it, and this is true, but we do not need their permission to ask, and if they say ‘no’, we’re not in a worse position.
A final one is the European Union elections. This possibility was mentioned in the European Union Brexit papers from day one, and the cost and effort for the government to go ahead with an election is miniscule next to the cost and work involved in a no deal scenario.
So, can’t we all agree that it is right that we put an adequate amount of thought, and adequate amount of negotiation, and above all an adequate amount of time to deliver what is best for this country?
Can’t we also agree that a vote to leave does not mean we have to be slaves to the politicians who arrange their priorities: God, Brexit, Party, Country?
And that those politicians continue to be our public servants. Ones we can hold to deliver what they promised in the public interest? With an option to reject their policy, if it turns out to be for the public’s harm?
Surely we can agree we want a successful prosperous country with opportunities for our children and ourselves, and the best way to deliver that is not to limit the duration on which we negotiate with our biggest trade partner?
I hope we can, because I don’t want Brexit of any kind, but I don’t want to be in a position where Leavers feel like they were cheated in the same way Remainers feel like they were.
I hope we can have a referendum on a non-disruptive Brexit. Delivered rationally going forward in a way that helps bring us all together as a country and a way in which, whatever the result of the vote, provides the best opportunities for all.
And if we are going to do it, then lets at least try to do it right, instead of going down in a blaze of bullshit bravado.
I may change my mind tomorrow and want a referendum in 2018, but today I agree we should be positive about seeking a non-disruptive Brexit, and doing it in a way that unites this country over the interests of this country, for the benefit of all who reside in this country. /End
