The resignation of @SamGyimah shows much clear-thinking about Brexit beyond March 2019, especially the time it will take to establish a new UK-EU relationship. This should not be underestimated. /1
We know this because it is the case for all the EU's relationships with neighbouring countries: whether Switzerland, Ukraine or Turkey. The departure of the UK throws up new issues, but which are no less complicated. He is right to highlight the uncertainty. /2
My problem with the resignation post - and why it is not necessarily a gift to the #PeoplesVote is that is still adopts the common theme of 'us v them'. Any campaign to remain in the EU cannot do so. Why? /3
This was the mistake that Cameron (and others before him) made: make out that the EU has its interests and the UK has its own and there is therefore a 'battle' to be had in any negotiations. The UK is not alone in this approach, but nowhere has it been as consistent. /4
Language such as "All of this points to an off-the-shelf deal dictated by the EU" and "our interests will be repeatedly and permanently hammered by the EU27 for many years to come" do not make a convincing case to be in the EU. /5
The same also goes for the argument that the UK needs to be within the EU to wield a veto and prevent integration in areas considered undesirable by the UK. This cannot work: the EU can only work on strong cooperation, and being in it just to be able to stop things is futile. /6
Whether the UK remains or not, then the only way to rebuild trust is to drop the UK v EU stance that has been a thread in the relationship for many years. Even with Brexit, turning the Political Declaration into something meaningful will need a great deal of soul-searching. /END
