With the latest extension of Brexit to the 31st of October, British Parliament now has the monumental task of agreeing on a deal and finding a clear path for Brexit. However, if the last few months are anything to go by, there isn’t a single clear majority in the entirety of the Lower House and debates raging on only serve to further divide the competing sides.
Despite the chaotic nature of British Parliament, there are a few clear options in which the lower house could choose to go for. These being a general election or a Customs Union. While the first has been continually debated about for the ages in Commons, it hasn’t been legitimately considered by the house. The second on the other hand is the most popular among the House of Commons, only being defeated by 6 votes during the Indicative Vote.
With the complete failure of Theresa May and the Tory party in finding an acceptable deal for Brexit, it is clear that parliament is now unable to come to a majority on anything. Despite multiple updates and redrafts, as well as alternative options, no united majority has appeared in the Lower House. Despite this, the United Kingdom is stuck with a disunited rabble who are doing more harm than any good that could come out of further debate. It is clear that any new deal or alternative vote will very much be voted down as all others have been.
As such, it is necessary for a General Election to occur. The people no longer trust the House of Commons to come to a legitimate decision beyond No Deal being unacceptable and as such must be able to vote for a new government, who is actually able to command a majority. Should a General Election occur, the chances of a Brexit deal finally being accepted are much higher than they are currently, as any newly voted in Government would be far more united than any of the current sitting parties.
However, the Customs Union option does work with or without a General Election. Despite the disunited nature of Parliament, it is possible a united front combining the Customs Union, Common Market 2.0 and Confirmatory Vote could see a Majority Aye. Should parliament be able to at the very least decide on a united majority alternative without a General Election, it would save the nation from many future headaches. However, while this is likely, a General Election could serve as the catalyst for a Majority Aye for the Customs Union, as the minor parties back it over the Tory Deal.
As such, the two most clear options stand as a General Election into a Customs Union, or a Combined Alternative Option going against the Tory Deal. Either of these options would be able to provide a somewhat united front towards Brexit and allow the British Government to steer the country through the remaining months. These two options could go a long way to securing a semi-prosperous Brexit, with the path being;
1) General Election
2) Ranked Preference Parliamentary vote on different types of deals (CU, SM, No Deal, etc)
3) A new deal negotiated with the EU based on what Parliament voted for
4) A confirmatory vote on that deal vs remaining to the public
5) Leave the EU
This plan would satisfy the opponents to the Tory Deal and would provide a structured and functional path towards the final Brexit. It remains to be seen if the British Parliament will be able to put aside their differences and move towards some sort of option and give certainty to the United Kingdom’s future.
Politics and History thought piece writer. – PoliticsBuff
PoliticsBuff 