Brexit: Now get on with the job

Britain’s best days to come – May

THE DIVIDING lines could not be clearer. As Brexit’s Article 50 was triggered, Theresa May declared that “she believes in Britain and that our best days lie ahead” while European Council president Donald Task, the unhappy recipient of the PM’s six-page letter, described the forthcoming renegotiation as an exercise in “damage limitation” on the part of the European Union’s remaining 27 member states.

Mr Tusk’s position should be respected – his message was aimed at those nations, like France, where there is simmering scepticism towards Europe’s elite and it falls to him to ensure that other countries do not follow Britain’s defiant example. That said, it’s in the best interests of this country, and the EU, to be conciliatory.

This was borne out by the tone of PM’s statement to Parliament – and her historic letter to Mr Tusk when she said, respectfully, that Britain would not insult the EU by asking to remain part of the single market because there can be no “cherry picking” of access and a humble acceptance that “there will be consequences” for the UK. The significance of this cannot be underestimated, given its repercussions for trade.

It was also a sober speech – a desire to minimise disruption, safeguard the rights of EU nationals living here and a need for special arrangements in Northern Ireland. It was also a statement of intent on behalf of the entire United Kingdom – including Scotland – that proposed the passing of repatriated powers to the devolved nations and, presumably, the English regions. For once, there was also specific mention – and recognition – of countryside communities.

To Mrs May’s credit, her measured delivery spoke for the country’s quiet majority who simply want her to get on with the job without the rancour being articulated by the most vociferous federalists and hardlined Eurosceptics alike. After all, she, as Home Secretary, was a reluctant Remain campaigner and it falls to her to pick up the pieces after her predecessor, David Cameron, so misread the mood of the nation.

That said, her approach – contrary to perception – is respected by Brussels which appears to admire, albeit grudgingly, the Tory leader’s clarity of purpose and acknowledgement of common ties between Britain and the EU that will ensure.

Her letter to Mr Tusk concluded with this assertion: “The task before us is momentous, but it should not be beyond us.” It is a sentiment that applies as much to Brussels as it does to HM Government.