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A quick thread on Brexit narratives, and the inadequacy of remainers' response to Brexit. It doesn't need me to point out that Brexit is not going well. It has been pronounced 'dead' by some on here. And yet... there is no agreement on how to stop it. 1/
Here we are, well past 29 March 2019. A Withdrawal Agreement has been agreed, but there is no enthusiasm for it, even among its stalwart supporters (like Theresa May). It has been thrice rejected by MPs. 2/
The Article 50 period has been extended twice. The UK has been entreated not to waste the time before October. The prospect of any (new or existing) deal being agreed by Parliament and the EU appears to be very close to zero. 3/
It seems that what 'we' want is unattainable. The idea that we would be able to retain the benefits of EU membership while winning new freedoms to engage with a willing world has been thoroughly debunked. 4/
The response of Brexiters has been to regroup. They insist that it will be a betrayal of the will of the people not to 'get it done'. Many are embracing 'no deal'. They have created excitement at the prospect of being able to 'go WTO'. 5/
The 'details' do not concern them. No deal can be 'managed'. Alternative arrangements will solve the Irish border issue. The rest of the world will fill the gap created by any loss of trade with the EU. These claims are, to be polite, paper thin. 6/
Meanwhile, those opposed to no deal are, to be polite, floundering. Those who support Brexit have failed to make a case for a different Brexit, and build support for it. 7/
And those who oppose Brexit have not moved past calling for a people's vote. They want to 'put it to the people', without knowing what the 'it' is that they will put. 8/
My view has long been that remainers should be arguing for revoking Article 50, on the grounds that there is no Brexit which commands democratic support. I explain why here: blogs.lse.ac.uk/brexit/2018/12… 9/
October will arrive very quickly. The Tory leadership race, and the summer recess will take up much of the available time. The new PM, urged on by the Brexit party, is likely to be steering us towards no deal. 10/
No deal is not what was promised in 2016. The referendum provides no mandate for no deal. The big majority of MPs who oppose no deal have to work together to stop it. 11/11
