Putin’s motives may be cynical but he’s still right about a second referendum

It is coming to something when Vladimir Putin has a better understanding of democracy than many in Britain’s own political class. When this not especially democratic bruiser from the East demonstrates greater respect for the will of the British people than some of our own leaders do. Yes, just when you thought 2018 couldn’t get any odder, here comes actual Vladimir Putin to put British politicos straight about the nature of democracy.

Yesterday, Putin lashed out at those in Britain who want a second referendum — and presumably a third and a fourth and a fifth until the plebs finally relent and say: ‘Okay, okay, we’ll vote to stay in the EU!’ Britain has to ‘fulfil the will of the people expressed in the referendum’, said Putin. As to the idea of having a People’s Vote — which should be called a Second People’s Vote, because we already had a people’s vote, in June 2016 — Putin says it is wrong for elites constantly to badger the electorate until it gives the answer they want to hear.