The Balkanization of Great Britain
Brexit has entered an expected phase. The UK is becoming balkanized.
The Brexit Civil War has generated divisions in the United Kingdom that cannot be bridged unless the two sides talk and settle and it will be unwise for any ''expert'' to predict the trajectory and final outcome of the Brexit war at this stage in the conundrum.
Boris Johnson- a blustering and bullying type personality in the manner of Donald Trump- has been effectively checkmated by UK lawmakers and the legal establishment.
It is highly unlikely he gets the two things he believes will save his leadership of the UK: a Brexit deal or a No Deal
Brexit. Albeit the latest news is that Johnson may U-turn and allow Northern Ireland to remain in the European Union with a customs border between Northern Ireland and the UK.
On the other side of the battlefield: Remainers led by senior Conservative and Labour leaders, Liberal Democrat Joe Cox, and Speaker of the House John Bercow, are determined to thwart the Far-Right Conservative party at every move. And they are succeeding with the aid of ''powerful silent partners.''
The UK is highly unlikely to leave the European Union on October 31. Another fact is that European Leaders want
to be rid of this whole Brexit mess. However, Europeans do not want to be seen as the side that pulls of the trigger
that leads to the UK's departure from Europe.
Europeans prefer that the UK pulls the trigger itself that signals a breakaway from the European Union. UK Citizens - if the latest polls are to be believed- are now firmly against Brexit.
There has been a ''great awakening'' that UK voters and the general public have been ''conned'' by Brexiteers, led
by a ''bunch of irresponsible, wealthy, and Old School Tie nationalists and fanatics:'' Snake Oil Salesman, with
posh accents.
A UK General Election predicated on Brexit is expected before Christmas. But even this must be taken with the
''proverbial grain of salt.'' In war anything is possible.
The UK - before October 31- may opt for a Caretaker Government led by an elder statesman like Sir Kenneth
Clark, until the Brexit matter, is resolved.
This will most logically end with a SECOND REFERENDUM that asks for a national response on an insoluble matter, by hopefully asking the right questions. Unlike the FIRST REFERENDUM that has landed Britain in the present swamp.
The view from Europe must be daunting. The UK: the worlds most respected Parliamentary Democracy
appears to be disintegrating.
Europe's leaders continue to state that Britain is free to leave whenever it wants to. So, why can't the Brits decide
to simply depart?
Because half of Britain understands that in today's world or power politics - with a Donald Trump who cannot be
trusted, a predatory and swiftly growing China, and a Russia and India that are becoming huge economic and military behemoths - that a Europe of 500 middle-class consumers with huge political, economic, and social clout, is the only check on these encircling powers: '' The European Union is the only game in town for the UK.''
Brexiteers, however, remain deluded. There is a yearning for a yesteryear when the British Empire ruled the Seven
Seas. Post Brexit, the Britain that ruled the world will make a resurgence. This is the Brexiteer dream.
The belief is that if the UK breaks from the EU that ''ditto'' the world of the 1940s and 50s where, Britannia ruled much of the world, will make a re-appearance.
That is not going to happen.
Connect with Dickson Igwe on Facebook and Twitter
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
2 Responses to “The Balkanization of Great Britain”
As a result, its political, legal, linguistic and cultural legacy is widespread. At the peak of its power, the phrase “the empire on which the sun never sets” was often used to describe the British Empire, because its expanse around the globe meant that the sun was always shining on at least one of its territories.” (Wikipedia).
IMO, the UK is longing to regain its past glory. The 23 June 2016 referendum to 1) remain or 2) exit the EU passed with 51.9% of voters, a simple majority, voting to exit (Brexit) the EU. Confident that UK voters would not have voted to exit the EU, the government at the time set the bar way too low. Instead, the bar should have been set perhaps at the 70-80% mark. Brexit was cloaked in xenophobia, nationalism, discrimination, prejudice…….etc.
Immigration (even from other Western European countries) seemed to have been a critical factor in many voters voting to exit the EU. The law of unintended consequences wind is swirling and blowing hard and hitting the UK square in the face. The fierce wind is causing political turmoil in the UK. Both former PM Teresa May and current PM Boris Johnson have a rough, challenging go at it. Are the UK voters having buyers remorse? Will the UK crash out of the EU on 10/31/19?