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Thread. 1/ I have some ideas about a second referendum, and how to try to make it a healing experience rather than a divisive one.
It involves ending uncertainty, being more inclusive, and respecting the previous referendum.
Bear with me.
It involves ending uncertainty, being more inclusive, and respecting the previous referendum.
Bear with me.
2/ First, I want to explain why I think a second referendum is both necessary and democratic.
The 2016 referendum was for an abstract concept of Brexit. On the ballot paper was remain (we knew what that meant) and leave (there are different interpretations of what that means).
The 2016 referendum was for an abstract concept of Brexit. On the ballot paper was remain (we knew what that meant) and leave (there are different interpretations of what that means).
3/ The difficulty has been in interpreting what version of leave to implement. Anyone who disputes this only needs to see the spectrum of opinions amongst both the population and MPs - ranging from staying in Customs Union / Single Market to leaving without a negotiated deal.
4/ I really recommend reading this thread, which explains how attempts to define 'Leaving' BEFORE the referendum failed, and how Vote Leave was successful with a deliberate strategy of adopting no plan in particular, instead using a 'Just leave!' message.
5/ So therefore I feel that firstly parliament MUST somehow compromise with SOME form of Leaving (and a responsible form must be with a negotiated withdrawal), but that secondly it should then ask the people 'are you ok with this?'.
6/ This approach of checking back would be obvious and sensible in any other walk of life - and to suggest that it is undemocratic is really baffling to me.
7/ However. In order for this confirmatory referendum to be a healing one rather than a divisive one, I suggest the following measures.
8/ First, use an extension to have some process of citizens' assembly to decide what kind of future relationship is the best compromise, then agree that with the EU, setting it out in a Political Declaration with some prepared UK legislation committing to it.
9/ Second, only have two options on the ballot paper which can both translate into instant legislation. The deal - with all legislation ready to go if this goes through - and Revoke - with a letter to revoke Article 50 ready to be sent if this goes through.
10/ This is the only way of putting an end to the uncertainty which is so crippling to citizens and costly to business. If 'no deal' was on the ballot paper, the eventual outcome would remain highly uncertain (and not very responsible for a government to put on a ballot paper).
11/ Thirdly, change the franchise to include EU citizens in UK, and Brits in Europe even if out of the country for more than 15 years. Brexit affects us all deeply and has a a very direct impact on the way we live, work and study.
'Nothing about us without us' springs to mind.
'Nothing about us without us' springs to mind.
12/ And I know that people will say (I've heard it even on @RemainiacsCast) that changing the franchise simply couldn't work because it could be seen as manipulating the vote. But making these citizens feel heard is part of the necessary healing. So hence my final suggestion..
13/ Fourthly, put a threshold on the vote. Leaving (on the known terms) would be the default, and a decent threshold (e.g. 60%?) would be required to overturn the previous referendum and remain in the EU after all. So at least 60% of voters would be needed to revoke Article 50.
14/ This would lead by example of how a referendum should work. Have a threshold before a status quo is overturned. Include citizens directly impacted by a proposal. And only ever put deliverable, concrete and well understood options on a ballot paper.
15/ (You will notice I said nothing about extending the franchise to 16-17 year olds - and that is only because I've not immersed myself in the arguments for or against this so have not been able to form a view. I try to only say things I've thought a lot about).
16/ I know a referendum will be problematic, and many people will feel betrayed. The problem is that I now think every single possible outcome will be problematic and many people will feel betrayed.
17/ This is my genuine attempt to empathise with all sides of the debate, think of what might actually bring some healing, and address the
'oh and what if goes 52-48 the other way? Or even 50.5-49.5?'
/End
'oh and what if goes 52-48 the other way? Or even 50.5-49.5?'
/End
