Loss of status
The EU has laid out to the UK its red lines clearly and distinctly for the transitional phase of leaving the EU. Westminster will abide by all existing EU regulations, including the four freedoms and incorporate any changes subsequent to the leaving date of 29 March 2019. The jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will also continue to apply.
Furthermore, Westminster will have no representation on all EU organs. It may explore trade deals as a third country with other countries, but cannot implement such until after the transitional period. No doubt during that time the contradictory assurances about keeping an open border across the two Irelands and being out of the single market and customs union will surface and cause havoc.
It has been said that by leaving the EU and being in the open world, the UK will have put itself into the category of “minor entity” in Europe and beyond.
Not being able to influence the EU during the transition stage and being powerless at the same time, means the UK Parliament, with its thirdcountry status, will become a minor entity even within itself. The EU has begun to move on making trade agreements on behalf of the 27 whereas Westminster can only watch from the sidelines. One can sympathise with the likes of Jacob Rees-mogg and Boris Johnston as they break ranks from within the party and Cabinet and call that state of affairs being a “vassal-state of the EU”. As Theresa May is increasingly criticised from within her party for the sellout and caving in during Phase 1 of Brexit, it is only a matter of time before the likes of Reesmogg stage an internal coup and elect a new Tory leader to go for No Deal and WTO rules. That is the logical conclusion of the arch-brexiteers’ thinking as they dream of a past Britannia ruling the waves!
However, there is no room for euphoric schadenfreude north of the Tweed as the Tories and unionists tear themselves apart. Scots voted to remain and will suffer at the consequences of the Anglowelsh vote to leave. JOHN EDGAR Merrygreen Place, Stewarton