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After months of bluster, grandstanding and tedium, the UK and EU have lastly agreed a Brexit commerce deal.
Although it’s removed from best, and even farther from the very best deal doable – the one we already had – it’s an important reduction all spherical not be crashing over the proverbial cliff edge. It appears a nasty deal actually is healthier than no deal in spite of everything.
I might complain about what we’ve misplaced, nevertheless it gained’t change the scenario we face. Instead, my New Year’s decision is to maneuver previous outdated arguments and focus on constructive battles. I don’t imply that I’ll neglect or forgive what has been stolen from us, and I’m definitely not able to “suck it up”. However, our Brexit journey isn’t over with the brand new deal, as negotiations will probably proceed for years to return.
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When Michel Barnier and Ursula von der Leyen introduced {that a} deal had been struck, their general tone was considered one of remorse. By distinction, and completely as predicted, Boris Johnson’s strategy was celebratory and triumphal.
Never one to deal with the small print, it’s fairly doable our prime minister doesn’t perceive all of the intricacies of the deal he simply signed. This was obvious in his response to press questions on friction-free commerce. He claimed that the tariff-free deal had no non-tariff obstacles, when in actual fact there are lots of obstacles to commerce. With the UK leaving the one market and customs union, these obstacles will embrace a large number of customs and regulatory checks at borders.
By distinction, the EU is eager on particulars and has added authorized clauses to guard the integrity of the one market, and the EU itself. Based on its latest experiences, the EU is aware of that Johnson’s good religion can’t be taken at face worth. Legal safety is clear within the cope with regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Should the UK try and diverge on human rights, the settlement will likely be “terminated on date of leaving ECHR”. Not for the primary time, I’m grateful that our rights are protected by worldwide statute, reasonably than UK legislation.
So, the place does the present state of play go away marketing campaign teams, reminiscent of Bremain in Spain? When the group was created on June twenty fourth, 2016, our important intention was to cease Brexit. Obviously, we failed, however I don’t remorse a single second of that battle. The anti-Brexit marketing campaign got here near securing a second referendum, and we all know that we tried all the pieces in our energy.
It was generally a bitter wrestle, however I’ll at all times keep in mind the moments once we united with ardour and hope. The emotions of camaraderie are nonetheless robust, as are the collective emotions of disappointment, anger and disbelief.
With various levels of success, I’ve tried to grasp the reasoning behind Leave voters’ choices, however I’ve not often felt that Remainers have been prolonged the identical courtesy. The most vocal commentators are often the extremists on either side, however they don’t categorical the bulk view.
I’m certain that Remainers and Leavers annoy and misunderstand one another in equal measure. However, a typical and intensely grating theme is Leavers telling Remainers to “get over it”. That feels as welcome and missing in empathy as saying the identical factor to grieving family members at a funeral. It’s true, we did lose, however with Brexit, there aren’t any winners. We all misplaced, even when we don’t all realise it but.
I don’t intend to dwell on the previous, however – simply as I did 5 years in the past – I consider as strongly right now that the UK’s rightful place is on the coronary heart of Europe.
The job now dealing with us is twofold. Firstly, we should work carefully with the authorities right here in Spain – most notably the British Embassy – to tell and help these struggling to return to phrases with our new future. We should additionally be certain that guarantees are saved, that our rights secured by the Withdrawal Agreement are protected, and that weak individuals don’t fall via the gaps.
Secondly, the battle for the UK’s future should proceed. Of course, I would love the UK to re-join the EU, however that’s a great distance off and unlikely to occur beneath a Conservative authorities.
Until the prospect of EU membership appears to be like extra probably, there are different urgent battles to battle. Leaving Covid apart, the issues dealing with the British public are many and worrying. The Conservative authorities is at the moment attempting to take away energy from parliament and the courts and desires to cut back ranges of scrutiny.
This is hardly the “taking back control” that Brexit voters have been mis-sold. The poisonous immigration debate – and new Home Office insurance policies supporting it – are usually not solely morally questionable however are liable for eradicating our freedom of motion. Then there may be the continued battle of holding the federal government to their repeated guarantees to revive our democratic voting rights.
A smart stepping-stone to regaining EU membership might embrace forging nearer ties with our neighbours. For instance, a re-think is required on the dreadful decision to leave the Erasmus programme, that has disadvantaged younger individuals of European examine alternatives. There can be appreciable room for enchancment so far as data-sharing and safety are involved. Further down the highway, taking the UK again into the one market and customs union would certainly be a worthwhile and logical step in direction of larger cooperation and prosperity.
As 2020 attracts to an in depth, taking the transition interval with it, New Year’s Eve will maintain extra significance than ordinary. I’ve by no means had such a robust feeling of “good riddance to the old year”, and {that a} new 12 months – and a brand new begin – will likely be welcome.
As we elevate a toast at midnight, one factor is for certain: our auld acquaintance with the EU won’t ever be forgot! Whether or not you’re able to put the previous behind you and transfer forwards, I want you all a Happy New Year. If you need to proceed the battle for tolerance, transparency and internationalism, you already know the place to search out us!
By Sue Wilson – Chair of Bremain in Spain
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