Week 31: How can we interfere with the preoccupation by the UK and the EU to avoid being the one who blinks?

The problem

Boris, probably advised by Dominic, is playing a dangerous game of “who will blink first” with the EU. The problem is that our side will not wish to blink first, and Boris will find himself allied with the most backward members of his party, and we will all find ourselves in a no-deal Brexit trap. We need to do everything we can to avoid this. 

 

One alarming possibility is that the population, most of whom are fed up with the whole topic, will sleepwalk their way into an outcome that few of them really want. Why did no-one object? Because we are patriotic, and in general believe in supporting our government. Few people really want to rock the boat, by returning to themes that will embarrass those in power. 

 

Yet we need to raise things that neither Boris now Dominic wish to hear. Let them know that while all these issues have been debated endlessly, that we are dealing with important issues that will still be very important long after anyone can remember who blinked first. 

 

It is altogether possible that Boris is hanging on to his job only until Brexit is concluded, after which both he and Dominic will cease to hang on. At a gloomy time, that is surely something to look forward to.

 

We need to advance on several fronts at once:

1. The Financial Times should be asked to return to their original view that staying in the EU would be the most favourable outcome. Has their advice changed, and if it has, how? Could they also include a deal with the EU by the UK, as that is now a likely outcome, if Boris does not cancel this possibility by accident?

 

2. The Labour Party should be encouraged to comment, on behalf of the Opposition, to the concept of opposing a no-deal Brexit. This will mean abandoning thoughts of presenting a united front to the EU, united with the Conservatives. They are entitled to their own view, and not be afraid of rubbing up a few feathers with the tories.

 

3. The Trade Unions should be asked  how they feel about the possibility of a no-deal exit from the EU. To what extent will this threaten our standard of living, and allow free passage of goods at our ports? Is a no-deal Brexit in their long term interests?

 

4. Investigative journalists should be encouraged to pursue opinion surveys among the population. How many regret the Brexit vote to leave, and would now like to remain? How many would prefer to maintain an active trading relationship with the EU? How much do people want a no-deal Brexit, sustained by visions of going it alone?

 

5. The BBC should be asked to produce a documentary setting forth the possible implications of disrupting our relations with the EU.

(If there are other important fronts, please let know (davidpgoldberg98@gmail.com)).

 

David Goldberg

16th October 2020

This may well be briefer than previous blogs, but is both impotant and timely

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