FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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UK begins a lonely, dangerous voyage

UK begins a lonely, dangerous voyage

The waves Britannia once ruled are anything but calm in these complex, interconnected modern times

British Prime Minister Theresa May this week invoked Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty – the glue that’s held the European Union together until now – officially paving the way for negotiations on her country’s exit from the union. In the massive media coverage of a historic moment, most reports and commentaries reflected a high level of anxiety amid the many unknowns associated with such an unprecedented break. Nine months after a majority of British voters signalled their disdain for the EU partnership in a referendum by choosing the “leave” option, the United Kingdom has set sail into uncharted waters. 
Wary of the political risk in giving the majority what it wants and ignoring the outcry from the “stay” camp, May has stressed that Britain is leaving only the EU, not Europe. The remark is a euphemism. Europe can no longer be the same Europe with a splintered union, and Britain outside the EU will not be the same glorying nation under the Union Jack that it once was.
The anticipated two years of negotiations will be difficult, given the multitude of factors involved and the potential impact on lives on both sides of the English Channel. The deadline on talks could indeed be extended since both sides at present maintain hard-line positions that leave little room for compromise. Had there had been more leeway in the first place, there would have been no need for last year’s Brexit referendum. 
And, in the next few months, with national elections taking place in France, Germany and Italy, the EU cannot afford to soften its position. Toughness will be essential in demonstrating EU solidarity. Any sign of trepidation could encourage nationalist campaigners in other countries to follow Britain’s example and seek exit. Anxieties across much of Europe are so high that several of the upcoming elections are utterly unpredictable.
The United Kingdom as we know it seems likely to undergo sweeping transformation. Scotland might soon see another referendum in response to overarching support there for remaining in the EU. May’s appeals for calm have fallen on deaf ears. Wales and Northern Ireland are watching carefully to see whether they too might like to pursue independence from Britain.
If Britain quits the EU, as now seems guaranteed, it would not only be less important to Europe but also to the world. Although it would remain a member of Nato and both sides wish to maintain their partnership in defence matters, Britain is a shadow of the global power it was in the 19th century. It can no longer contribute as much to regional or international security at it did even in more recent times. 
Nevertheless, there are other, less-sensitive issues on the negotiating table that ought to be resolved fairly easily, such as the rights of Britons living and working in the EU and continental Europeans living and working in Britain.
For now, the lessons of Brexit appear clear enough. To begin with, given the chance to vote on long-term economic policy, ordinary citizens can make a mess of it. There’s a hazardous fickleness to the public mood. 
Since the collective decision to exit the EU was made, many of those who chose “leave” have found reason for regret. Some now feel they were conned by politicians with alternative agendas. 
The other important lesson is that being part of a community requires giving as well as taking. The millions of Britons who saw the EU as dictating terms and imposing hardships failed to comprehend the benefits the EU brought to their marketplace and their daily lives. The narrow perspective will cost them dearly in the long run.

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