We’re a nation still divided as the Brexit talks begin
IN RESPONSE to the Queen’s Speech, it appears that some Remain-backing Labour and Liberal Democrat peers are threatening to block legislation that will enact Brexit in the House of Lords.
This would go against the decadeslong convention that says peers will not block the passing in the House of Lords of legislation enacting manifesto commitments made by the governing party. If this were to happen, it would result in a constitutional crisis.
Such behaviour would negate the will of the people, as expressed in the EU referendum vote and confirmed in the recent general election, where over 80 per cent of the vote went to the Conservative and Labour parties, both of which campaigned to leave the EU single market and customs union.
We urgently need a House of Lords that reflects the thinking of the
British people and that is not in hock to the EU establishment. It is time for Theresa May’s Government to show some mettle and throw down the gauntlet on Brexit.
AS we mark the lamentable anniversary of the EU referendum result today, we have little to celebrate — we are now a poorer nation in every way.
A snapshot of one day based on lies, innuendo, false promises and misunderstandings will mar the lives of the younger generation, many of whom could not vote because they were under-age or were prevented by a complicated new registration procedure. Half a million young people are now of age, finally registered to vote and would probably vote Remain — with enough votes to perhaps reverse the result.
The referendum was based on a question that should never have been asked. There is no doubt that the EU needs reform, but the only way forward is co-operation and dialogue with our friends, neighbours and partners in Europe and an appeal to their generosity in finding a way through this muddle of our own creation.
THERESA May has already performed dramatic and embarrassing U-turns on policy this year but the Queen’s Speech underlined how she and the Tories have now lost their legitimacy as the UK’s governing party.
It must be infuriating for Conservative voters to see their party abandon its manifesto by abolishing several policies included in it, not least trying to secure a deal with the DUP to form a weak government.
If Mrs May decides to negotiate a soft Brexit, it will simply undo everything she has said and stood for in the past six months. How can the electorate trust her if she always goes back on her word?