Politics flawed in ‘passive’ approach to Brexit

UK politics is failing because of “passive and fearful” opposition to leaving the European Union (EU), according to a new report.

Kirsty Hughes, director of the Scottish Centre on European Relations (SCER), said the UK was heading for a “damaging” hard Brexit because Remain voters had been left with little strong representation.

The think-tank has published a new report bringing together analysis of the forthcoming challenges as the process of exiting the EU unfolds.

Writing in the report, Ms Hughes said: “As the process unfolds, the UK – and particularly England – has remained deeply

“Divided over the question of proceeding with Brexit”

divided over the question of proceeding with Brexit.

“Support for ‘remain’ has moved a little ahead in the polls over the last several months but not strongly enough for many passive and fearful politicians to come out and argue to halt Brexit or to hold a further EU referendum.”

She highlighted that while the Liberal Democrats and English and Welsh Greens support a referendum on the final deal, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has not gone so far, despite declaring it could become irresistible.

“Labour’s acceptance of Brexit has led to weak opposition to the slow, shambolic and damaging Brexit process” she added.

Ms Hughes continued: “The path from here to an autumn withdrawal agreement is highly uncertain.

“UK politics is failing as it sticks to a passive ‘wait and see’ mode of opposition. And the time to halt Brexit, or even push it to a ‘softer’ Brexit, is running out.”