The case for a People’s Vote

The divisions tearing at the fabric of the United Kingdom have not been this pronounced since Suez; neighbours, friends and even relatives have found relationships strained – in some cases to the point of not talking. It is unsurprising that these social fissures are reflected at a political level with Westminster in a state of complete paralysis, devoid of imagination or apparent competence. Given that the consequences of Brexit will be huge and those tasked with its negotiation are increasingly moribund, the demand for a People’s Vote is inescapable.

By its own red lines, the British Government has abjectly failed in the Brexit negotiations and Parliament has prolonged the process. It is shocking to watch a government withdraw its flagship policy in the certain knowledge of a total defeat. Add to the situation an insidious leadership challenge and open ministerial jockeying, the sense of British decline is palpable. On the Prime Minister goes seemingly deaf to the howls behind her, fury in front and bemusement abroad. Against this background, the term ‘constitutional crisis’ understates the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the need to break the stasis that could see the United Kingdom fall out the EU with no deal. A People’s Vote would return the Brexit question to its legitimate and original source; The British public. A vote is the only way to overcome the rife constitutional divisions, properly assess how Brexit has developed and whether the promises made in the first referendum had a solid base.

Treasury forecasts and Bank of England models have unanimously found that Britain will be a poorer place following Brexit, but the most critical consequences can not be measured in GDP alone – peace in Northern Ireland, the ability to travel freely across Europe, a set of standards and rights that protect all European Citizens. The tangible benefits of Union membership will prove more valuable than the theoretical dreams of a regulation free Britain. It is amazing that in the vilification of shared sovereignty, no domestic media has ever inquired into those Member States who find themselves enhanced by it. When the UK comes to negotiate the future trade relationship, the entire European Union will back a single Member State with a particular interest – fishing rights, Gibraltar and medical research funding are just three examples. The full impact of third country status has not been realised yet and politicians have not been honest about what it will require. It is essential that the people are given a final vote before deciding on a major change of direction.

A People’s Vote is the embodiment of a living democracy and is only opposed by those Brexit fundamentalists who know their arguments have melted in the heat of negotiation. It is democratically and constitutionally consistent to ask the British people for their assent to whatever the next steps are and I would suggest the only way to heal the divisions of an electorate that now clearly favours remaining in the European Union.

The chaos of the Brexit process has shown inherent weaknesses in British statecraft. A reputation of caution, balance and competence has given way to Brexit fundamentalists who attack constantly but never offer an alternative. Britain is too important a nation to stagger out of a union that has provided growth and stability for 40 years. It is critical that whatever the Government brings back, a People’s Vote gives the final decision.