Rethinking the referendum

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 Rethinking the referendum

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• Two years after Brexit: Britain and Gibraltar voted to leave the EU. Now, 2018 is seeing mass rallies to have another referendum (to reverse it). The motto is – Rethink Brexit.  CONCEPT
• Promises broken: The Leave Camp broke the pre-referendum promise that 350 m pounds would be given per week extra for NHS. Minister Priti Patel’s promise of lenience towards non-EU nationals (after Brexit would end freedom of movement from EU) stands shattered by latest immigration caps & other moves.
• Parliament passes the Bill: The EU Withdrawal Bill passed with a slender margin in the House of Commons. But many claim that people feel and think differently about  it now.
• Numbers and questions: The turnout was 72.2%, with 64% of the 18 to 24 year age group also participating. Vote was won by a majority of 51.9% (yes) to 48.1% (no). Question is : Is this an adequate-enough majority for a life-changing decision of this magnitude?
• Was the question framed properly? It was – “Should the UK remain a member of the EU or leave the EU?” Did “leave” refer to the Single Market, or the Customs Union? (Single Market – elimination of tariffs, quotas & free movement of goods/services/capital/people Customs Union – Club of countries to apply same tariffs at the border)   CONCEPT
• Irish question: Leaving the single market + customs union means a hard border on the Irish island, a danger to the fragile peace process relying on fluid boundaries. PM May’s N.Irish ally DUP opposes it (they want the same regulatory regime in Northern Ireland and rest of UK).
• Wary businesses: New uncertainties are worrying businesses and they are warning of leaving as well.
• A new referendum? If “Remain” is to have its way, a fresh thought and approach is needed.
• Summary : British society is torn apart on its decision to leave the EU completely, as newer uncertainties emerge regularly.

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