Sir Desmond Swayne TD MP

Sir Desmond Swayne TD MP

Twitter
  • Home
  • Biography
  • Blog
  • Links
  • Contact

What Next?

06/05/2019 By Desmond Swayne

In June 2016 the British people voted to leave the EU, but in May 2017 they elected a parliament without a majority.

It was always going to be a very tall order for a hung parliament to accomplish the most controversial and complicated agenda in a generation. I am not surprised that, thus far, it has failed to do so.

After the drubbing that both the main parties have just taken in the local elections, It strikes me that there are three possibilities as to what happens next with Brexit:
First, nothing changes, and the parties take no notice of the evident frustration of the voters expressed in the results of last Thursdays polls, by continuing to reject every compromise, save only that they have voted to prevent departure from the EU without any agreement (which, perversely, appears to be the most popular option among voters -if my correspondence is any guide).

Second, that the EU loses patience and just throws us out at their next opportunity, Halloween.
I know that to many this is highly desirable, because it achieves the no-agreement outcome above, which Parliament has refused to deliver. In my estimate however, it is the most unlikely outcome: We are the EU’s second largest financial contributor, and all that money is surely worth the minor irritation of our continuing indecision.

Third, the Government, together with sufficient numbers of opposition MPs, encouraged by the sobering effect of the local election results, decide to unite around a compromise BREXIT.
This will involve a measure of re-alignment: some will brand it as ‘BREXIT in name only’ (BRINO) and peel off to join Farage’s BREXIT Party, whilst others, opposed to any departure without a further referendum,  will join the new Change Britain Party.

This third, and most likely of the possibilities, will involve leaving the EU politically whilst hanging on in there in some form economically. It is bound to mean some close accommodation with the EU customs union and internal market.
That isn’t what I want, or what I voted for, but in the hung parliament delivered by the voters in May 2017 it’s probably the best I can get.

The opportunity to leave the EU only comers round once every 46 years, I cannot allow it to be fumbled, and lost.
Could the British people live with it?
Some, like me, I would be disappointed, but I suspect they would shrug and continue with their busy lives and other priorities. After all, for years they used to say to me “we were hoodwinked in 1975, we were sold a ‘common market’ but it turned out to be a super- state”
Does that mean that, shorn of involvement in the super-state and its political institutions, they could live with the EU’s economics?

Filed Under: DS Blog

Sir Desmond Swayne’s recent posts

Demoralising the NHS?

17/01/2021 By Desmond Swayne

A job for the modellers

17/01/2021 By Desmond Swayne

Failed Lockdowns

09/01/2021 By Desmond Swayne

Ordered by Dr Heinz Kiosk

01/01/2021 By Desmond Swayne

Speech in the Commons

01/01/2021 By Desmond Swayne

EU Trade Deal

27/12/2020 By Desmond Swayne

Pro-Vax

19/12/2020 By Desmond Swayne

More on Vaccines

17/12/2020 By Desmond Swayne

Vaccination Passports

03/12/2020 By Desmond Swayne

Cutting Aid

26/11/2020 By Desmond Swayne

Was Churchill racist?

22/11/2020 By Desmond Swayne

Revisiting the Markets Bill

13/11/2020 By Desmond Swayne

Copyright © 2021 Rt. Hon. Sir Desmond Swayne TD MP • Privacy Policy • Cookies Policy • Data Protection Policy
Website by Forest Design

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking ACCEPT, you consent to the use of all cookies. If you require further information please click the links shown at the bottom of every page on this website to view our Cookies and Privacy policies.ACCEPT