General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums“Britain voted overwhelmingly to leave the EU,” he began. In Brexitworld a 52-48 vote is a total
landslide. So Brexit means Brexit means Britain leaving the EU.
Brexit minister David Davis gave his first lack-of-progress report. This was Daviss first outing on the government front bench for more than 19 years and he came to the house flanked by Boris Johnson and Liam Fox as his security blanket. This unexpected show of unity was quickly explained; none of them have yet actually done anything to fall out over. Give it time. Quite a long time, to judge by Daviss statement.
So far all weve learnt about Brexit is that the government is not going to introduce a points-based immigration system or give £350m per week to the NHS, she observed. Both of which were two of the key Vote Leave promises in the referendum campaign. The government has gone from gross negligence to rank incompetence. Youre making this up as youre going along.
Thereafter, the house divided on predictably partisan lines. Those on the remain side wanted to get to grips with the nitty gritty of what access to the single market Britain would get, how EU laws would be repealed and whether Britain would remain signed up to Europol. Those on the leave side thought such things were minor niggles and what really mattered was sticking two fingers up to the Frogs and the Hun and returning sovereignty to parliament. Though not to the extent of giving parliament a vote on the details should any ever emerge of the Brexit negotiations reached as it might vote against it.
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/05/so-brexit-means-brexit-means-brexit-is-that-it
Tell voters whatever you need to tell them (a new "points-based" immigration system, more money - £350 million per week to the National Health Service) in order to win the vote then back away from them. Promise to return 'sovereignty' to parliament then deny parliament a vote on whatever agreement emerges from negotiations with the EU.
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)Another example of the risks associated with over confidence. Exit stage right