,
13 tweets,
2 min read
Read on Twitter
A lot of the most profound disagreements about Brexit result from profound disagreements about the nature of referendum mandate. It is extraordinary that there are (still) such polarised views. Thread. 1/
The referendum is most regularly portrayed by leavers as an instruction (variously to Parliament, or to the Govt) to deliver Brexit, either with a deal, or without a deal. 2/
Remainers on the other hand say that the referendum was advisory, and that it can simply be ignored by Parliament. Some argue that its fraudulent nature is such, that it should be ignored (or somehow annulled). 3/
MPs have attempted to steer a middle course. They have been criticised from all sides. I am (broadly) in agreement with the approach they have taken. 4/
Parliament's evolving approach has been to pursue Brexit. A50 was triggered. A deal was reached with the EU. No deal may likely be deferred, but it remains resolutely on the table. 5/
Crucially, Parliament has determined that Brexit will not happen unless a particular version of Brexit (deal or no deal) is endorsed by a majority of MPs. 6/
As a result, the then Govt's Withdrawal Agreement was rejected. No deal has similarly been rejected. No alternative version of Brexit has been endorsed. Parliament is stuck. 7/
The responses to the impasse include extensions, indicative votes, a change of PM, and now (in all likelihood) a general election. 8/
Efforts to find agreement on Brexit have continued beyond the two years allocated by A50. But, it looks as though those efforts are destined to fail. 9/
What is missing from Parliament's current approach is that it is unwilling to take the next step. If there is no Brexit which commands sufficient support, it is perfectly consistent with the referendum mandate to revoke the A50 notification. 10/
Some baulk at this, arguing that as a result of the referendum, Parliament can choose between Brexits, but cannot choose not to Brexit. That seems to me to be a fundamentally flawed reading of the referendum mandate. 11/
The task set to Parliament was to find a way to leave the EU *which commands sufficient support*. Sufficient support is indicated by a majority in Parliament (or, if they so choose, MPs can put the q back to the people). 12/
If there is no such majority, there is no democratic mandate for any particular Brexit. In these circumstances, revoking A50 is an outcome which respects the referendum mandate. 13/13
