It has been two and a half years since undoubtedly the most meaningful vote in British politics in the twenty-first century to date, yet even now Brexit makes the headlines of national newspapers and dominates small talk throughout the UK. And astoundingly, we are barely nearer to a conclusion that will appease the millions of citizens who voted for this drastic change.
The much-publicised result of the referendum to exit the European Union caused controversy for months and has split the country in a manner we have scarcely seen in the modern day. What statistically appeared a miniscule division became a colossal chasm with both sides antagonising each other endlessly.
Those who voted to leave often taunted the Remainers for their refusal to accept the result of the referendum. They had a point. Even now the desire for a second referendum is widespread amongst those who voted remain, yet what was creating stereotypes of Brexiteers going to do about the result? Nothing.
Embodying this self-imposed pedestal and frank arrogance, those who had voted to remain, particularly from my neck of the woods, simply appeared to pity those that chose Brexit. Others, often put the Brexiteers down as racists, citing immigration as a primary factor in their misinformed desire for change.
Granted, some were motivated by racist propaganda. But some wanted to leave; some remain - that is democracy for you. People's opinions are shaped by their experiences, to look down upon those who have different motivations without knowing their circumstances is erroneous. Similarly though, many Brexiteers' attitudes embodied the true meaning of the vote; a wish to get one over on the political elites. Many lacked grace in victory, and instead of mocking their opposition, the right course of action would have been to think of solutions, think of ways forward. Just as all of us should have done, yet we have been stuck reflecting on the impact of that crucial day in June 2016 - for better or for worse.
But the real reason for this mess lies not in the public divisions created but in the shape of the government who we are forced to trust with our futures.
That is something that has been slowly evident over the past few years. But the incompetence of both leading and opposition parties in government, to deliver the people's wish as they efficiently as they could, has been nothing short of pathetic.
The government has never been truly in control of the situation. It lingered upon us up until the triggering of Article 50, which has sparked a chain of events that have sent the political spectrum in the country into what can only be described as complete and utter chaos. Theresa May's makeshift Conservative government has ducked out of issues and is now trying to bury its head under the sand and continue to press on with plans that evidently satisfy very few. The divided Labour party under Jeremy Corbyn have only attempted to undermine the Prime Minister in her feeble attempts at a resolution, and he simply wants nothing more than to be sitting in her ministerial seat within the next year or so.
It was conclusive that Brexit would spell the end for David Cameron, but at least it hasn't affected him, a man with sufficient money for him to never be seen in the UK again. Jacob Rees-Mogg and Michael Gove merely support their Brexiteer voters because it will enhance their personal fortunes, without regard to how the country may be thereafter. They will most likely follow Cameron's lead and slip off abroad, off of the political scene with cash coming out of their ears.
This governmental system is shambolic. It is littered with factions that would be more fitting under the monarchical reign of the Tudors, full of party politics that should have been long outdated.
The way they debate and jeer in Parliament resembles more of a secondary school playground than it does the central body of decision-making for one of the most influential countries in the world. What message does that send to its citizens?
If only more would follow the lead of Conservative Sir Oliver Letwin, who just yesterday voted against the notion to give parliament executive power in the event of a 'no deal' Brexit, despite the personal political downfall it may cause him. Those sheep that follow the lead of the Conservatives and Labour simply because it is their associated party in these important votes aren't politicians.
They are puppets. The last time I checked, MP's were voted in on behalf of the people and, if so inclined, should vote whichever way they wish. But that rarely happens because of this utterly abhorrent system of party politics, so how on earth can they be considered representatives of the people?
In fact, these governmental inabilities were the principal reason for the Brexit referendum in the first place. The arrogance of those in charge, their comical attitude to solving issues such as austerity and most importantly, their refusal to listen to those common people who wanted these changes are only some of the multitude of problems with this establishment. Yet the saddest thing is that, no matter the outcome, it will not affect them but instead those who place their trust in the governmental elites to get the best for them.
What happens with Brexit, May's deal, no deal, a different deal or remain, is now irrelevant. Brexit has uncovered fatal flaws in our government that a second referendum or a straightforward end to Brexit cannot possibly solve. We should not be focusing on the issue of Brexit, we should be focusing on this seemingly insurmountable bridge between politicians and the general public.
For if we continue to ignore this, the same problems will plague us for decades and decades to come. And it will be these tumultuous years, these divisive people who are to blame for the weakening of our social system.
The much-publicised result of the referendum to exit the European Union caused controversy for months and has split the country in a manner we have scarcely seen in the modern day. What statistically appeared a miniscule division became a colossal chasm with both sides antagonising each other endlessly.
Those who voted to leave often taunted the Remainers for their refusal to accept the result of the referendum. They had a point. Even now the desire for a second referendum is widespread amongst those who voted remain, yet what was creating stereotypes of Brexiteers going to do about the result? Nothing.
Embodying this self-imposed pedestal and frank arrogance, those who had voted to remain, particularly from my neck of the woods, simply appeared to pity those that chose Brexit. Others, often put the Brexiteers down as racists, citing immigration as a primary factor in their misinformed desire for change.
Granted, some were motivated by racist propaganda. But some wanted to leave; some remain - that is democracy for you. People's opinions are shaped by their experiences, to look down upon those who have different motivations without knowing their circumstances is erroneous. Similarly though, many Brexiteers' attitudes embodied the true meaning of the vote; a wish to get one over on the political elites. Many lacked grace in victory, and instead of mocking their opposition, the right course of action would have been to think of solutions, think of ways forward. Just as all of us should have done, yet we have been stuck reflecting on the impact of that crucial day in June 2016 - for better or for worse.
But the real reason for this mess lies not in the public divisions created but in the shape of the government who we are forced to trust with our futures.
That is something that has been slowly evident over the past few years. But the incompetence of both leading and opposition parties in government, to deliver the people's wish as they efficiently as they could, has been nothing short of pathetic.
The government has never been truly in control of the situation. It lingered upon us up until the triggering of Article 50, which has sparked a chain of events that have sent the political spectrum in the country into what can only be described as complete and utter chaos. Theresa May's makeshift Conservative government has ducked out of issues and is now trying to bury its head under the sand and continue to press on with plans that evidently satisfy very few. The divided Labour party under Jeremy Corbyn have only attempted to undermine the Prime Minister in her feeble attempts at a resolution, and he simply wants nothing more than to be sitting in her ministerial seat within the next year or so.
It was conclusive that Brexit would spell the end for David Cameron, but at least it hasn't affected him, a man with sufficient money for him to never be seen in the UK again. Jacob Rees-Mogg and Michael Gove merely support their Brexiteer voters because it will enhance their personal fortunes, without regard to how the country may be thereafter. They will most likely follow Cameron's lead and slip off abroad, off of the political scene with cash coming out of their ears.
This governmental system is shambolic. It is littered with factions that would be more fitting under the monarchical reign of the Tudors, full of party politics that should have been long outdated.
The way they debate and jeer in Parliament resembles more of a secondary school playground than it does the central body of decision-making for one of the most influential countries in the world. What message does that send to its citizens?
If only more would follow the lead of Conservative Sir Oliver Letwin, who just yesterday voted against the notion to give parliament executive power in the event of a 'no deal' Brexit, despite the personal political downfall it may cause him. Those sheep that follow the lead of the Conservatives and Labour simply because it is their associated party in these important votes aren't politicians.
They are puppets. The last time I checked, MP's were voted in on behalf of the people and, if so inclined, should vote whichever way they wish. But that rarely happens because of this utterly abhorrent system of party politics, so how on earth can they be considered representatives of the people?
In fact, these governmental inabilities were the principal reason for the Brexit referendum in the first place. The arrogance of those in charge, their comical attitude to solving issues such as austerity and most importantly, their refusal to listen to those common people who wanted these changes are only some of the multitude of problems with this establishment. Yet the saddest thing is that, no matter the outcome, it will not affect them but instead those who place their trust in the governmental elites to get the best for them.
What happens with Brexit, May's deal, no deal, a different deal or remain, is now irrelevant. Brexit has uncovered fatal flaws in our government that a second referendum or a straightforward end to Brexit cannot possibly solve. We should not be focusing on the issue of Brexit, we should be focusing on this seemingly insurmountable bridge between politicians and the general public.
For if we continue to ignore this, the same problems will plague us for decades and decades to come. And it will be these tumultuous years, these divisive people who are to blame for the weakening of our social system.
Comments
Post a Comment