Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Boris's Dilemma | |
Posted by: | Simon Hayes | |
Date/Time: | 03/09/19 13:25:00 |
The referendum result is only binding on the country in as much as any other vote would be. That’s why we continue to have elections, democracy doesn’t stand still and people can - and do - change their minds. The issue here is that the outcome of leaving without a deal will cause a great deal of hardship for a large number of people, mainly those on low incomes or in insecure employment, who may end up losing their jobs. We have already seen certain sectors hit hard by Brexit (steel, for example) and others will contract further in the event of no deal. While some people may think that’s an acceptable price to pay for ‘taking back control’ try explaining that to someone who can no longer feed their family. I said at the time if one person loses their job because of the referendum it’s not the right result. It’s interesting that we don’t have referendums on other aspects of the political system that people may not like. Why not have one about the tax regime, which is over complicated and appears to be abused by the wealthiest in society? Why not have one on our military involvement overseas? We don’t because governments are supposed to run these things for us. The problem is that David Cameron abdicated his responsibility over Europe as a sop to certain factions in his party. This was seized on by non Tory groups, notably Farage, to promote the myth of ‘taking back control’. In reality countries are run by multinational corporations, who locate business in a jurisdiction because it offers the best incentives to maximise profits. That’s why our banking sector became so big. Leaving the EU might attract some business but it will see the departure of far more who want unfettered access to the single market. That will inevitably have a negative effect on our economy. And it may be coincidence that some of our elected representatives (step forward J Rees-Mogg) have a personal stake in ensuring we leave rather than have their business affairs falling under new EU regulations that might affect their fortunes. And this is before we consider the Irish question. The biggest achievement the UK government in the 1990s was the peace process which continues to this day. It’s naive to underestimate the strength of feeling on both sides of the sectarian divide about the reintroduction of a hard border in Ireland. I doubt there will be a civil war here if we don’t leave. I suspect there would actually be a sense of relief for the most part. |