A week on from Brexit day, it is worth stopping and reflecting on just how Britain’s departure from the EU actually came about. We’re familiar of course with those from the Leave side who contributed to Brexit. But what about the unintentional heroes of Brexit, those who ensured accidentally that Britain really did leave the EU?
On the day we were supposed to leave the EU last March, I bumped into an important member of Tony Blair’s social and political circle in the lobby of a St James’s club.
“Are the Tory Spartans holding firm? Are they going to stop May’s deal going through?” he asked.
“Yes, quite comfortably I think,” I replied.
“Good,” he said, “that’s what we need.”
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He left me in no doubt that blocking May’s deal was seen by some as an essential precursor to stopping Brexit altogether by means of a second referendum.
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