I'm now pretty much at the point that I want them to just get on with it. Personally, I will be fine, but I still have that 'typical leftie' thing where I actually care about others who are less well off or less able than me, but it seems like quite a lot of those people are the ones clamouring for brexit. You can't reason people out of positions they have not reasoned themselves into, most people don't vote rationally, they vote based on 'feelings'. Politicians are, of course, fully aware of this.
An advisory referendum was won by a narrow margin. The electoral franchise was flawed. The leave campaigns broke the law. Russian geopolitics clearly played a role. There will likely be a return to sectarian violence. Best case scenario is a significant dip in the economy, worst case scenario is catastrophic. Bigotry and violence have increased. On the other hand, blue passports and a new 50p.
The country is divided. I can't see a second referendum healing this, it will only energise the swing to the far-right of the leavers.
So, let it happen. Let the country get into such a shit position that 10 years down the line they will be begging to be let back in, on terms much worse than we had.
Unfortunately, this kind of one sided view is why we are and will continue to be in a divided state. People on both sides just don't listen to the others sides views/concerns (see 660 pages as proof !)
You can't reason people out of positions they have not reasoned themselves into (sounds like a James O'Brien - LBC line) - There were/are genuine concerns from people who voted for Brexit, most directly or indirectly relate to jobs/wages, housing and public services. Yes, a majority of migrants put into the system but is it enough to cover the additional cost of public services immediately on arrival ? Has significant net migration supressed wages ? Talking of reasoning, most young people who are complaining about the referendum result are the same who are complaining about their inability to get on the housing ladder due to rising house prices - at net migration of 200-350k per annum over the past 10+ years (appreciate this isn't just EU nationals) do they not consider that this may have contributed to the supply/demand of property ? ps I have said before that one minor concession by the EU on this point, giving even a semblance of perceived control (which would never have been enforced as our borders are leaky at best, intentionally left open at worst !) would've been sufficient for Remain to win, probably comfortably. The combination of the lack of concession and perceived arrogance swung it for many. Just to be clear is migration needed ? - YES, does it benefit the country ? - YES, should it be uncontrolled - NO.
An advisory referendum was won by a narrow margin - Agreed. Yet the SNP believe even a 10% margin isn't sufficient to justify not having a second independence referendum in Scotland, so where do you stop ?! I do think a "margin of error" should have been built but wasn't, as I presume the government was too arrogant to ever think it would be close.
The electoral franchise was flawed - what's new ?! However, this is probably the first time many people would have considered that their vote actually mattered (every vote counting) especially if they live in a constituency that is strong labour or conservative majority so never thought their vote counted for anything until the referendum.
The leave campaigns broke the law - There was rubbish/lies spouted on both sides but you've got to remember our own government supported Remain and used public money to push this view which probably more than offset any overspend from Leave.
Russian geopolitics clearly played a role - probably a role but how significant ? I don't think this would've significantly altered the voting numbers (the lies on both sides would've played a greater role)
There will likely be a return to sectarian violence - this wont be Brexits fault (maybe an excuse to recommence violence but not the reason). I have to admit, I was surprised that this waseven discussed in detail during the referendum by either side. Remain should've raised the challenges relating to it and also we shouldn't have triggered Article 50 until there was an agreed solution, however, if memory serves me correctly the EU wouldn't discuss anything until Article 50 was triggered.
Best case scenario is a significant dip in the economy, worst case scenario is catastrophic - who knows long term, the world is changing. We are apparently due a recession soon (usually once every 10+ years....apart from when Brown was chancellor ended them...apparently) but who really knows until it happens. Will other countries take advantage of our weakened negotiating position or jump at the chance for more free/open trade ?! Short term there will no doubt be an impact. If there is a no deal, it will be a mess !
One part I do agree with you though Grappa....I'll be glad when all this is over !
