Brexit: Does a Leave Vote Mean Stay?

Reuters photo

By

Hazel Speed

Having watched Mrs May’s Brexit speech from Florence, I have to admit the thing I will remember most is the glorious facade of a building featured.  Facade is also an appropriate word regarding the content of the speech itself, for that is what was exhibited, like a perfected metaphorical trompe l’oeil.

Earlier in the day, Boris Johnson was caught by journalists when he was returning from a jog, and the Foreign Minister confirmed that Mrs May’s speech was a good one.  Well he would say that – now!

I want to explore a few aspects regarding the Prime Minister’s rhetoric from an objective take, not comparing a Leave or Remain choice, but rather based on the facts, and also reactions of others, concerning what we deduced therefrom.

First of all, both the Lancaster House and Florence Speeches were very similar, full of non-committal platitudes; except the latter did lean more to the left on every level.

There is a sad irony that in 1972 business interests took the UK into the then Common Market, which morphed through the decades into the present EU; and kept us there, and now may continue to do so indefinitely.

Whatever people think of Nigel Farage, his prediction is pretty accurate, that after a transitionary period of a further two years once the UK ‘technically’ leaves the EU in 2019, (though post Article 50 having been lodged, Britain has already done so), that will take the country into the next General Election.  In turn, whichever political Party gets into power thereafter, the status quo may continue and continue, ad infinitum and/or the Leave vote may be overturned.

It was disappointing to hear a broadcaster later in the day goad both the public and interviewees with a question – could the UK hold a referendum about the referendum as views have changed, and is it possible that Britain may be allowed to ask the EU if it can stay after all.

That is irresponsible broadcasting and partisan, especially for a network which boasts impartiality and objective ‘reporting’.

The views changed soon after 1972, but there was no such option to rebel then or subsequent years until the Brexit Referendum, which is why so many people seized the opportunity to register their views.

Many are saying that we hardly hear anyone referring to the rights of the UK citizens living in EU Countries, yet all that is discussed in the UK relates to the cause of a far larger number of EU citizens residing in Britain; quite a paradox and conflict of interest when one considers that immigration caused a lot of Leave supporters to vote the way they did.

What concerns me most about the whole situation is the eroding of democracy. If the UK had been united (without undue influence from business and the loudest voices), then Britain would have already left the EU.

One voice said following Mrs May’s broadcast, that there is no cliff edge just fear. It is true that whenever the UK leaves that will always be, for the fearful, an imaginary cliff edge.

Another comment I heard today was also a valid one, in that we are in a transitionary period already, so this is in effect, the manifestation of that request.  Surely businesses are already adjusting to the inevitable, but the jury is still out as to what ‘the inevitable’ actually is – Leave or Remain.

The most serious aspect is what happens regarding any future referendum if (a) people in positions of influence do not like the outcome; (b) the people know that their vote will not count so why should they bother; (c) who really will be running the country then.

I wonder what will be the catalyst for civil unrest or if apathy will prevail?

It is fitting that the place associated with Machiavelli was the chosen venue for The Prime Minister’s broadcast as many have already registered a portrayal to the democratic vote confirming an exit from Europe.

Another commentator gave food for thought, that if the NHS and home care services for the elderly and disabled people in the UK had as many civil servants, Government Departments and finances devoted to current issues as Brexit has, then our care services would be admired throughout the world.  Also, bearing in mind the UK still has to pay the EU club for association by default.

One thing for certain, is the fact that pretty soon the UK Government will have to choose a side and/or carry on with uncertainty until the EU gives them acceptable cause to walk away.

Hazel Speed

Photo (c) Hazel Speed – used by kind permision to Tuck Magazine

Hazel Speed is a Philosopher, Writer, and Artist with various creative projects at differing stages of development. Her flaship project is an animation which has produced a film short: www.thepinkprofessor.com. She has also written an E-novel, ‘Just Suppose…!‘ which is available via the attached link.

Art sites: www.candystoreart.com, www.terrificart.com, www.artbadges.co.uk