Dominic Grieve A poor Brexit deal now will only lead to big trouble in the future
deliver nothing but trouble in the future. Far from bringing closure, it will precipitate debates on our future relationship as heated and paralysing as we are having now. The one difference is that our departure will have irremediably undermined any leverage we might have to deliver a better outcome for our country.
Nor is official Labour policy of demanding a general election to address the issue credible if, as it intends, the agreement is rejected by Parliament. Jeremy Corbyn has shown no ability to provide solutions for Brexit whatsoever. The idea that a different government of any party will be better able to negotiate an agreement for leaving the EU is another fantasy.
The better solution must be to return to the public and ask them to consider what they want in the light of the circumstances that we face. If the Prime Minister’s deal is to their liking, then we can leave on those terms, however unsatisfactory I may as an MP personally consider them to be. But they should also be offered the opportunity of remaining in the EU. The evidence increases daily that in an interconnected world our sovereignty of action and ability to provide for the wellbeing of all our citizens is helped by EU membership. Those still wanting to leave have to explain where any practical benefit can be shown, now it is so much clearer what leaving means.
As an MP, my first duty is to act in the national interest, regardless of party affiliation. I and many others in Parliament are prepared to try and do that. I would urge colleagues, in government or not, to think about how future generations will judge us if we passively allow ourselves to be taken to the thirdrate destination the EU Withdrawal Agreement presages.
Our country deserves better of us and better of itself. There should be a people’s vote.
⬤ Dominic Grieve QC is the Conservative MP for Beaconsfield