Editorial Comment:
There is a distinct rhythm to Brexit talks. David Davis and Michel Barnier meet routinely. Mr Davis smiles broadly and says nice things. Mr Barnier smiles wanly and says something disobliging. Then, every six months or so, the Prime Minister emerges to make a heavily trailed, rather technical speech, which No 10 apparently thinks is a viable substitute for a rolling communications strategy laced with charm, enthusiasm and energy. And, just as predictably, Boris Johnson subsequently delivers a speech or article to signal his dissatisfaction with the fact that the Brexit he imagined would be expansive and enriching – both financially and culturally – is being painted as something grey, narrowing, and parochial.
So the fact that he is speaking today – in advance of, and theoretically in concert with – the next set-piece prime ministerial speech, is a break with the norm. Mr Johnson, the best communicator in the Government by far, has the chance to set the tone for the next stage of Brexit, one which will settle the terms of transition from next March and aim to ensure that, at its end, Britain truly has the liberty of action craved by those who voted to Leave.
He will seek to address the concerns of those Remainers who fear that Brexit is a lurch backward, to an era besmirched by racism and protectionism. The opposite is the case. Far from a narrowing of horizons, Brexit presents opportunities to widen them, to build closer trading partnerships with countries beyond Europe. Far from a terrible dilution of standards and ethical practices, Brexit offers the chance to enhance them, allowing Britain to become a world leader, driving forward environmental norms, for example.
Most people in Britain have put the wrangling of the referendum campaign behind them. Indeed, the vast majority of voters, unlike too many in the Commons and Lords, have accepted the unequivocal democratic implications of the result. But, having accepted it, they are entitled to hear precisely how the inspiring and uplifting consequences of genuine political sovereignty will be delivered; how their lives will be better, and they will be better off, in practical terms. The campaign may be over, but the need to enunciate a clear vision of where Britain wants to position itself on the global stage after Brexit is not.