I'm doing my best to understand the Lib Dems' position on Brexit, but I have to say that I am struggling. THREAD 1/
The LD USP is that they will stop Brexit. If they win an overall majority, they will revoke A50. It is a policy I like very much, and one which I have been urging all opposition parties to rally behind. See eg: blogs.lse.ac.uk/brexit/2019/09… 2/
But... with the best will in the world, an LD majority simply isn't going to happen. The question is how the LDs should position themselves in a situation in which (best case scenario for them) there is a hung Parliament, and they can perhaps influence the direction of travel. 3/
The current approach is to put clear yellow water between themselves and both Johnson and Corbyn. They want to maintain their own distinctive brand. 4/
In particular, they are fearful of cosying up too close to Corbyn, and fearful of the inevitable Tory attack line: 'vote Swinson, get Corbyn'. They are after the Tory remainer vote... and so, the logic goes, they should keep their distance from Corbyn. 5/
I have huge difficulties with this logic. Let us say that there is a hung Parliament; and that Labour offer a PV with a remain option. How will the LDs respond? Are we to believe that they would turn down the chance to stop Brexit; preferring 'splendid isolation'? 6/
I don't think so. I think that they are likely to support the PV. And I think that if they want to stop Brexit (and they do...) that is the only realistic choice they are likely to have post the GE. 7/
My concern with the current LD stance is that, unless they achieve an overall majority, their policy simply does not lead to a credible path to stop Brexit. If this is giving me pause for thought, it is likely to giving other potential LD voters pause for thought too. 8/
LD should indicate that while they are worlds away from Labour on many issues, they will do whatever they can to stop Brexit. That has to involve working with Labour. If that alienates some Tory remainers, so be it. 9/
There will, I think, be a bigger electoral dividend from the articulation of a policy position which leads to a clear path to stopping Brexit. And all such paths involve the, for many LDs unpalatable, prospect of working with Labour. 10/
I rather think that many LDs will disagree. Would be very interested in knowing why. @fascinatorfun @RosChappell @JeanneBartram 11/11
