Continuing somewhat the theme of The Iron Triangle, in the FT Camilla Cavendish observes that the whole Article 50 process has been has counterproductive for both the UK and the EU:
As the summit stumbled to its conclusion, it was clear how poorly both sides have played their hand. By insisting on separating the divorce from the settlement of any future relationship, Brussels technocrats condemned themselves to purgatory.
By agreeing to that sequencing, the prime minister left herself unable to get the support of MPs who refuse to gamble on a blind Brexit in which the most important negotiation is yet to come.
Moreover, the other 27 member states now face the “Boris problem”: the likelihood that the detailed terms of the future relationship could be negotiated by either an innumerate Brexiter or perhaps — should there be a general election — a hard-left socialist.
Later she notes:
At the heart of Brexit lies the same old question: do we want comprehensive access to the single market, or control of immigration? The answer is not axiomatic. Three years ago, some of us who voted Remain on economic grounds felt troubled by voting for open borders when they were creating such demonstrable tensions.
Mrs May plumped for immigration control, having watched her predecessor David Cameron try and fail to reconcile the two. But she has never been clear about the likely economic impact of this choice. Polls suggest that concerns about immigration have fallen significantly since the referendum.
Much of that, I suspect, is because people assume our borders will now be controlled. But they also realise that the NHS, in particular, could not function without foreign talent.
As the government prepares to make a decision that will affect our sense of identity, our jobs and our public services, I do not believe that any politician can confidently gauge where the British people now stand on this fundamental question. [Emphasis added]
The wider threat posed by the ongoing incontinence within Britain, is poorly understood by many in Dublin and elsewhere. It’s not just a failure of politics but of society’s ability to cognate socially (via press, universities, churches, unions) which show signs of breaking right across Europe.
Photo by TheDigitalArtist is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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