An own goal for Britain? (Brexit troubles multiply)

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 An own goal for Britain? (Brexit troubles multiply)

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• Brexit boomerang : "Take back control" was the key Brexit slogan in 2016, which now has played out in Parliament taking back control of Brexit process from PM Theresa May. Parliament rejected her withdrawal agreement, and also threat of leaving without an agreement. So now no one knows what Brexit actually means to Britain! Parliament is in total control now.
• EC in picture : The European Council had given time till 12 April to Britain to decide how exit happen, as the 29 March chaotic crashing-out seemed a possibility. What chaos? Without an agreement, Britain would lose all running arragements totaling half of its trade. All seamless flows in goods and services will collapse (till a negotiated deal happens).
• The heart of the problem : A long draft on interim trade relations ruined it all. Theresa May went ahead and negotiated with 27 EU nations as a bloc, and then triggered the Article 50 (to exit the EU). She did not widely consult. Then when cornered, she called for an election, and lost by a small margin. Then she acted in the Parliament as if she had a majority, and didn't need her key ally (DUP of Northern Ireland).
• The referendum itself : The 2016 referendum never spoke of "what kind of Brexit" did Britain want. That referendum simply handed the MPs in parliament a decision they had to work on (not something they arrived at via debate). Majority of MPs had voted AGAINST the referendum! The present problem reflects all these contradictions.
• REMAIN, REMAIN : Most MPs voted REMAIN to protect UK's future. London's financial hub image had to be protected. Trade is deeply integrated with EU. Now the conservative MPs (Eurosceptic) are pushing Britain towards a disaster. They have threatened to break the Party up, and Theresa May has repeatedly caved into their demands.
• Can the govt. be removed : A law of 2011 - the Fixed Term Parliaments Act - makes it tough. So we have a govt. in Britain that's powerless.
• Constitutional firsts in Britain : Parliament voted to take control over Parliament business. The Govt. was held in contempt of Parliament over withholding the AG's advice on the withdrawal agreement. The govt. lost a vote twice in House of Commons on main business of house! Cabinet Ministers are voting openly against the Govt and still not being sacked.
• April 12 arriving : Parliament has to inform EU what is to be done - leave with current (unloved deal), no deal or more time needed. The 27 EU nations now control the destiny of Britain in a strange way. "Take Back Control"?
• Summary : The Parliament of UK has “taken back control” over Brexit, in what seems to be a no control situation!

Read more on - Polity | Economy | Schemes | S&T | Environment

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