Brexiversary: still time to change course

We are at the midway point between the triggering of Article 50 and the Government’s arbitrary ‘exit date’. On this ‘Brexiversary,’ it is important to take the opportunity to restate the Green promise to continue fighting for the people to have their say on the final deal.

Voters across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire and Surrey, East and West Sussex voted overwhelmingly to Remain; across the region, more than 48% of people did the same. Their voices are being increasingly sidelined by the Government.

The Brexit a bitter and divided Tory party is dragging us towards is a monumental calamity. Their approach to negotiations has been unforgivably shambolic; driven by a desperate need to appease a Tory hard-right fringe and the DUP. As a result, the people of Britain have no idea what kind of post-Brexit future lay ahead.

What we can be sure of is that any and all Brexit outcomes will have hugely damaging economic impacts, according to the Government’s own (secret) studies. That the transition period delays the worst of these impacts until 2020 is of little comfort when the fundamental future relationship questions remain unanswered.

I still believe that we are fairer, greener and safer inside the European Union. And, as a Green, I am fighting for a People’s Poll on the final terms of any deal - with remaining in the EU an option on the ballot.

Despite the odds and powerful vested interests, I will not be deterred in this fight. The point of no return might be near but we still have a chance to change course. Keith Taylor Green Party MEP for the South East European Parliament, Brussels