,
10 tweets,
4 min read
Read on Twitter
The UK is not leaving Europe. However, there’s a lack of understanding of the broader implications of leaving the EU. The U.K. urgently needs to consider upping its diplomatic engagement. Let me explain (thread)
What we all know: the EU is a supranational organization that covers a lot of ground. That is one of the reasons why @annietrev wants to leave. That is an acceptable decision.
@annietrev But we have to be aware that part of the structure of the EU is constant discussion of the EU27. Constant engagement - and yes, in all of the broad fields of EU activity.
@annietrev There are natural consequences to this: the decision-makers meet each other all the time. They develop a culture of coordination. They know each other well.
@annietrev Even with goodwill from both sides (and the letter shows there is that goodwill), the EU will by necessity be less British and the UK less EU. And it’ll be hard work to develop a strong alternative relationship.
@annietrev Allow me to try a metaphor: you and your 27 best mates are all in a club together. Now that club is a rather broad thing: you play football, discuss politics, meet in the evenings for drinks.
@annietrev But there are things about the club you find annoying: you lack time for other stuff. The dress code sucks. You think the fee is too high. So you decide: that’s it for you. But you and your 27 buddies want to remain good friends.
@annietrev But now reality hits. Your friends continue to meet every day. After three months you finally meet again. They are still nice, but they keep discussing the cool event one month ago and a club problem you don’t care about.
@annietrev In short: staying close will be work. And it won’t be as close as now. But it’s nevertheless important to think about it. Putting an additional diplomat in an embassy is window-dressing.
@annietrev And the first thing: let’s avoid at all cost the fall-our of a no deal. My proposal for that is here ukandeu.ac.uk/the-way-forwar…
