I’m naturally a unionist.
But the problem UK now has is its govt has “othered” Scots (remember Miliband in Salmond’s top pocket? The Scots do) for a decade now...
....but if you “other” a nation but don’t offer them a way to leave this is an inherently destructive situation.
2nd problem for the Union is while there is a lot of truth in the argument that breaking with a 60million neighbor will be economically costly for Scotland - there is a 450m Union + N Ireland waiting as ready made alternative.
This is a rare situation for independence movements.
3/
Independence referendums tend to fail due to 3 issues
1. Status quo bias 2. Emotional bond 3. Economic cost
Othering & Brexit have torpedoed the 1st two.
Suspect any future referendum will be fought almost exclusively on the 3rd point.
I will try to do this thread without swearing but it will be hard…
…and I’m afraid im really going to have to spell it out to some of you.
This EU has set out a way back to Rejoin…but many of you remainers still don’t get it....
- A thread -
2/
How many of you wanging on about Starmer actually read the treaty or commentary on it?
Of course it’s lousy. But in 1 way it’s good:
If you’d read it, you'd know EU have cleverly & quite deliberately set out a way back to rejoin..
...with big bl**dy lanterns to mark the way
3/ The treaty sets up not just a framework for constant negotiations but 5 year reviews for “adjustment”. Anything is possible 2026:
Single Market, alignment up to 90% of EU membership – but one thing won’t be – Rejoin.
& that’s as 2024 election won’t be fought on 2nd referendum.
I see alot of friends here are getting angry at various Starmer comments on Brexit.
I get its an emotional time, but with respect, alot of people arent thinking rationally right now.
No Starmer hasn't gone full Brexit - we need to look a bit more soberly at things.
A thread.
2/
The anger at whether Labour votes for the deal is one of the biggest, dullest non-issues of the day.
Its Johnson's deal - as he insists on telling us at every moment.
The ERG back it.
Labour's vote makes no difference either way.
I'd prefer Abstain - but I dont really care.
3/
Agonising over this is pointless.
A case can be made for all 3 options.
But ultimately its Johnson deal, the Conservatives deal and Labour MPs voting for it won't change that.
Nobody is going to come back & say it was Labour that brought this deal in 2 years time.
Let it go.