The High Court has ruled that Article 50, the article that triggers the 2 year countdown where the UK negotiates its exit from the EU, cannot be activated without Parliament's approval. This has worried many voters and MPs who think this will overturn the referendum result, if a majority of MPs vote against Article 50. A wide range of the public feel angered and see the ruling as unelected judges going against the will of the people.
Having read the report and legislation, I think it is right that Parliament is consulted on both Article 50 and the outcome of 2 year negotiations, as that seems correct for democracy, and technically the referendum wasn't legally binding. However, I do believe MPs should vote for Article 50 based on how their constituency voted, even if their own view was different. On an issue of such importance, such importance that it was put to the people, MPs would be very unwise to go against constituents. In the Labour Party, such a large majority of MPs wanted to remain, yet so many Labour heartlands were voting out. Going against constituents would only fuel the rise of UKIP, particularly in Northern working class towns. It could increase UKIP's representation in the House of Commons at the next election, which in my view is not what most people want and would increase populism, damaging democracy. Whatever happens regarding negotiations, Britain is leaving the European Union. The most important thing is the stages of our exit are scrutinized, analysed and evaluated thoroughly, to ensure our exit works in the best interest of everyone. ****************************************************************************************************** Over the last couple of weeks, I have really enjoyed reading Ed Balls' memoirs about his 21 years in politics. Starting from his departure from the Financial Times to work for the then Shadow Chancellor Gordon Brown to losing his Parliamentary seat at the 2015 General Election, 'Speaking Out: Lessons in Life and Politics' takes up through various decisions, difficulties and adventures that were had. Unlike most memoirs, the stories are not in chronological order. Though I was unsure as to whether this would make events too confusing and disjointed, the structure works relatively well with various elements to being a politician fitted together. Ed Balls is often critical of himself, talks through his different advisory roles, what's involved with being a Secretary of State and what he got right or wrong. This is both interesting, informative and enjoyable. The chapters on economics can be a tad dull, but that's only my view. Obviously, I'm not an economist, meaning parts couldn't be quite understood, but the majority of the novel was coherent, entertaining and shed some light on the behind the scenes view in politics. I enjoyed the sections where Ed talks about other things he managed to do in his free time, liking running the Marathon and cooking, showing how an MP can be and act like a human being. Overall, the book is a personal, detailed account of someone who tried hard, added more to society and did lots during his time in Government and Opposition. A very worthy read. I also don't think 'Strictly Come Dancing' is the last we will see of Ed Balls. Mark my words. *************************************************************************************************** Today I attended and took part in my first ever P.E. trampolining lesson. It was of course compulsory, as all P.E. lessons are until the end of Year 11. The hour was quite dull and difficult, with requests from the teachers to perform basic twists and tricks. No thank you. While I like the idea of the trampoline for exercise, the idea of eventually performing flips and tricks of an advanced level feels me with horror. I spent most of the hour trying to not get on the trampoline, by partially pretending I didn't exist and partially pretending I'd already had a go. Surely that hour could have been better spent revising for exams, or reading a copy of 'The Spectator' I had bought with me to school? It looks likely we'll be trampolining until Christmas, and the techniques will only get harder. Even cross country would be better, and that's saying something. For those who enjoy trampolining, that's fine. The skills demonstrated are impressive and admirable to watch, and have created Olympic stars. Just don't expect me to enjoy doing it.
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