This week in brexit
Brexit is confusing - this is probably the only statement everyone can agree on. But it’s also really important if you live in UK or other EU country and the coming week is shaping up to be crucial in the seemingly never-ending saga of Britain sitting in EU doorway like a particularly indecisive cat. So here’s a short primer on what’s going to happen, who are the players and what do they want. It’s simplified but it’s not meant to be a comprehensive guide to all things brexit: just to give you a rough idea of what’s going on (especially if you’re not that politically involved, interested or are a youngster).
Please note that I don’t live in the UK, English is not my first language, and that all opinions and predictions are my own. Also, I’m not a specialist in British law so I’m not going to analyze the legal validity of whatever is going on at this point.
Where are we: UK is scheduled to leave on Friday, April 12th. Theresa May (British Prime Minister) has sent a letter to Donald Tusk (EU Council President) asking for an extension of this deadline until June 30th.
What is going to happen this week: EU Council will have an emergency summit on Wednesday to discuss UK’s situation. All 27 member states have to unanimously agree to an extension.
What is the issue: well, that pesky thing about EU Parliament elections in May. Basically, EU Parliament’s term is ending in June and starting July there’ll be a new EU Parliament. At this stage no one in the EU believes UK when they say they’ll leave on June 30th so they don’t have to partake in the elections. It’s just too much of a risk to allow UK not to have the elections, and then face another extension (that would be the third) request in June while there are no British MEPs for the new term.
You still with me? I assume you are. So let’s move on to who are the players & what do they want:
European Union: if UK has to leave, EU would like for it to happen based on a deal which would protect citizens and economy of the region. No one wants to see UK crash out but honestly it’s been dragging for too long, and the House of Commons need to make a decision.
Theresa May: she has negotiated a deal. It was rejected three times by the House of Commons - even after she promised to resign if the deal goes through.
House of Commons
650 people with what seems to be 650 ideas about how brexit should look like.
Hard brexiteers - they wanted to leave on March 29th without a deal and are pissed that they’re still in the EU.
Hard remainers - they want to revoke Article 50 (that triggered the process UK leaving EU) and are pissed they’re still leaving the EU.
At least half of the House of Commons - they absolutely do not want a no deal brexit.
Scottish National Party - if we had a drink every time they say Scotland should be independent, our livers would quit.
Common Market 2.0 supporters - they want a close economic relationship with the EU, based on membership in organizations such as EFTA.
People’s Vote supporters - they want UK citizens to have their say over whatever deal passes through the House of Commons.
Speaker (John Bercow) - he would just like some order, pretty please.
I’m not going to even touch a subject of political parties, especially the Tory division & the multiple resignations in May’s government. That deserves a post of its own and if you’d like to read it, drop me a line.
Resources you may find useful: TLDR News - it’s a youtube channel that explains the brexit mess in a pretty straightforward way Politico’s London Playbook - published every morning (Monday through Friday), offers a commentary on what happen, what to watch for, and what the UK headlines are saying. Not impartial but well-researched. Parliament Live - everything that goes on in the Parliament is live streamed. If you’re curious about how proceedings look like, you should definitely check it out (especially debates in the both Houses). Parliamentary business - makes it easy to keep track of amendments they’re voting on, interesting committee debates & other stuff.
