Watching Tony Blair's speech setting out his plan to persuade the British people to 'change their mind' on Brexit was patronising. It felt like a broken record, forgetting both that the referendum had taken place, and the result. Instead of discussing plans to unite the country, Mr Blair, like the Liberal Democrats, only spoke for the 48%. I'm sure his speech will have done nothing to persuade the 52%, who probably aren't Mr Blair's biggest fans, that their decision was incorrect.
As readers will know, I was for remain. Assessing the arguments, I believed it was better economically and socially to be a member of the EU, rather than be on the outside. I wish the referendum result was different. But there was a result - a democratic result. The British people decided they wanted to cut ties with the European Union and head in a different direction. It was therefore the job of everyone - remain and leave - to come together, unite and arrange a smooth exit deal from the EU. The arguments over remain or leave were finished; the arguments instead should be over the exit deal. Mr Blair doesn't seem to understand this. Stating that leave voters 'didn't know what they were voting for' seems wrong and pretentious. To me, a leave vote seemed perfectly clear. While no formal manifesto was published, from hearing leave speakers, I believed leaving meant departing from every single aspect of the European Union: leaving the Single Market, leaving the Customs Union etc. After all, the referendum was on all of the EU, not just specific elements. That is precisely why I would have voted to remain. The record and legacy of Tony Blair is damaged and tainted with lies. The intervention in Iraq under his leadership will never be forgotten, leaving the country in the shambolic mess it is today. The elements of media 'spin' beginning with his Government remain ever present today, where statistics are twisted to make the Government look favourable. Elements of NHS privatization, starting under his Government, have been forever embedded. While his premiership contained some successes, it's the failures that are always remembered. He may not have been the best choice for making the European case. As Remainers, we have to realize that Britain is leaving the European Union. To try and frustrate the will of the people would be a danger to democracy. We shouldn't patronize leave supporters - we must work together with leavers to achieve one common goal: achieving an excellent deal that pleases both the UK and European Union. We must present the UK as open and united, still firmly in Europe and willing to work with our European allies where international cooperation is required. An isolationist policy must not succeed Brexit. Thankfully the Article 50 bill has passed successfully through the House of Commons. I hope the House of Lords can swiftly vote for the bill, in order for the process to begin on time. Government ministers must regularly return to Parliament with updates that can be effectively examined. I believe the final deal should be voted on by Parliament - not another referendum. Whether this will enfranchise millions who feel left behind remains to be seen.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Author:Noah enjoys writing a blog and drinking tea Archives
September 2022
Categories
All
|