Article 50 verdict: an opportunity for audacity
The High Court ruled yesterday that the government has to consult with Parliament prior to triggering Article 50 (if you missed that, where have you been?!)
While a quick glance at social media might have you believing that this means Brexit is thwarted, this is not the case.
Where we are is far trickier than that. We now have:
-
a new PM likely to be angered and embarrassed at the result, and contemplating a snap general election which would almost certainly create a stronger single-party majority in government;
-
a decision to appeal the verdict (essentially arguing against the parliamentary sovereignty which many lauded as their primary motivation for Brexit);
-
Renewed anger from Leave voters aimed at the Metropolitan Elite, in cahoots with the unelected judiciary
All in all, until the Supreme Court makes its decision in December, we will see an escalation in the divisions in our society and increasing discomfort amongst those elected to represent us.
Let’s be clear. This result does not mean the end of Brexit. But, assuming that the Supreme Court upholds the verdict, our MPs have the opportunity to influence the form that it takes and moderate the hard Brexit rhetoric; the chance to create a situation more favourable to our international standing, economy and relationship with Europe. Unfortunately, however, this means facing up to the reality of representative democracy, and making a choice between reflecting the will of constituents vs. acting in what they believe to be the best interests of the constituency/the country vs. following the party line (whatever that is).
There is plenty of news out there on the decision, but, for some nuanced thinking, these articles provide a good perspective on what might come next:
Guardian: High court Brexit ruling: What does it all mean?
https://www.theguardian.com/
The Economist: Taking back control
BBC News: Will Brexit struggles mean May calls an early election?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-
Indy100: The MPs who need to think very, very carefully about their Brexit vote
Indeed, what happens next could all come down to our MPs and their commitment to self-preservation, when faced with divided communities and constituency opinion which might conflict directly with their own.
A wholesale change in public opinion is unlikely, but better communication with their constituents is an MP’s only hope for better aligning perspectives to the decision that MP intends to take, if and when the Article 50 vote takes place. An unappealing prospect with the threat of a snap general election around the corner.
So we say to campaigners, pressure groups and progressive MPs – don’t stop now. We know from our work with We Are Europe that public opinion, even amongst those most committed to Brexit, can be influenced. It won’t be easy – but it’s possible. We just need those with the audacity to try it.