The Political Consequences of Reversing Brexit: A Demanding Reality Check

The ongoing debate surrounding the implications of reversing the Brexit decision has become a focal point in British politics. Recent polls reveal that remaining in the EU is the least acceptable Brexit outcome to British voters, indicating a strong rejection of this course of action. This article delves into the political ramifications of such a decision, focusing on economic, democratic, and strategic issues.

Least Acceptable Brexit Outcome

A recent poll conducted by Number Cruncher Politics provides compelling insights. When asked to choose their least acceptable Brexit outcomes, voters overwhelmingly chose remaining in the EU over other options. This reaction is not surprising, given the distinct lack of public support for the EU in recent years.

Understanding Public Opinion

The current sentiment among voters suggests that the EU is not viewed as a desirable future for the United Kingdom. This implies that reversing Brexit would not only be politically contentious but also face significant public opposition. The poll highlights a growing skepticism towards the EU and a preference for sovereignty and national control.

Net Economic Impact

The economic implications of remaining in the EU are also scrutinized. Despite the persistent claims from Remainers and statisticians, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) data reveals a steady increase in the UK's net weekly contribution to the EU.

Data from the OBR

According to the OBR's February report, UK's net weekly contribution to the EU is projected to reach ￡335 million in 2022. This figure is derived from the gross contribution, which soars from ￡22.227 billion by 2021/22, or ￡427 million per week. Subtracting the UK rebate, the net contribution increases from ￡13.952 billion in 2016/7 to ￡17.405 billion in 2021/22. This represents a 24.7% increase over five years.

Presidential Remain

Even using the more contested Remainer methodology, it is evident that remaining in the EU would require a substantial financial commitment. If Boris Johnson's statement is considered accurate, the government would indeed be "basically right" in four years if the UK opts to remain in the EU.

Politicians and Media Misalignment

The political landscape in the UK is shifting, with a growing divergence between voter preferences and the stance of some politicians and influential media outlets. This misalignment raises serious questions about the democratic process and the legitimacy of the current government.

Elite Overreach and Subversion

Hard-line Remainers have been both encouraging foreign authorities to resist UK policies and undermining legal votes with arguments that date back to the 19th century. They claim that ordinary people are incapable of making major national decisions and must be overruled by those deemed more knowledgeable.

Overriding Referenda

The idea of overriding a referendum and a general election by a small elite is alarming. The phrase "sovereignty of parliament" is often invoked, but this sovereignty is not absolute. It is the institution of parliament, not its members, that holds ultimate sovereign power. If members cannot carry out a programme on which they were elected, they should resign rather than break their promises or undermine the outcomes they campaigned for.

The Nature of Governance

The Brexit debate has evolved into a broader discussion about who governs and by what right. This mirrors historical episodes where a small faction confidently asserts its intellectual and moral entitlement, often at the expense of its own country and loyalty to other entities.

Conservative Governance

History teaches us that when a relatively small but influential group believes it is infallible and can rule with little regard for public opinion, it can lead to significant political and social shifts. This is not a new phenomenon; it has occurred with various groups throughout history, including the Puritans and their successors, and those who hailed Stalin's Russia as a higher civilization.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Brexit goes far beyond the immediate issues of the EU. It touches on deeper questions of democracy, governance, and the fundamental principles that shape a nation's direction. Reversing Brexit would not only require significant realignment with public opinion but also a reevaluation of the roles of politicians, the media, and the democratic process.