Some quick comments on the LAB manifesto and Brexit
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The section on Brexit does set out the policy in terms that are clear at one level, namely that of what the renegotiation will aim to achieve
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However, at another level, there are profound ambiguity
The renegotiated deal is sold as being good for the UK, but not good enough that it is the course to take (instead we'll have a vote on it)
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The renegotiated deal is sold as being good for the UK, but not good enough that it is the course to take (instead we'll have a vote on it)
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I understand the arguments involved, but it's still a difficult pitch to voters, especially those that just want it 'done'
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Second key point is that there is some language about what Remain looks like: pushing for (Momentum-ish) changes in the EU
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That's a step up from the LibDems (blogs.surrey.ac.uk/politics/2019/…), but it's still very under-specified
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Thirdly, there are some odd bits too
Like this:
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Like this:
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Does this mean the UK is in the EU? Because if not, there's no meaning to this pledge
Actually, even if in, do they mean ending the UK's opt-out, or removing the possibility of opt-outs from the Directive? Good luck with the latter BTW
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Actually, even if in, do they mean ending the UK's opt-out, or removing the possibility of opt-outs from the Directive? Good luck with the latter BTW
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And note sure I fully understand this one either:
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If this is just a UK scheme, then it provides no more protection than the Settlement Scheme, since there's no mention of legal embedding in treaties with the EU.
Who's doing the declaring and what's the standard of evidence? A passport? Proof of residence?
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Who's doing the declaring and what's the standard of evidence? A passport? Proof of residence?
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In sum, this is probably as good as LAB can go, given their policy, but it prompts as many questions as it answers
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