I read with great interest Paul Collier’s suggestion that Britain should withdraw Article 50 and remain in the EU as a means of obtaining a better exit at some point in the future. This would be a UK humiliated by the inability of parliament to carry out the clear direction of the voters after nearly three years. A UK so abjectly defeated it would hardly be in any position to build alliances. What EU country would want to endanger its reputation by supporting the country which has been taught such a salutary lesson by the European Commission?
The lack of reciprocity shown by the EU during the negotiations is hardly a basis to assume that such a move would lead to a willingness to allow us to repeat the attempt. Moreover, remaining in the EU would be the green light for the ECJ to ensure by its determinations that the UK joined the euro, the Schengen agreement, and no doubt removing our rebate for good measure.
Meanwhile, where would the government come from that would pursue Mr Collier’s suggestion? We have seen — and Rod Liddle accurately points it out in the same edition — that the Commons is dominated by Remain supporters. That is the overwhelming reason for the abject failure of the UK negotiation. The political class do not want to leave. There is nothing to suggest that would change in the next election and that either of the major political parties would become ‘Brexit 2’ flag-bearers. In reality, we all know this our one and only chance to exit.
Jonathan Moore
Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex
This letter appeared in this week’s magazine.
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