Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist March 2019

INSIDE EUROPE is a reality with which anti-Brexiteers on both sides of the Channel must now contend. The result of Brexit was like a seismic upheaval. It split the United Kingdom between England and Wales on one hand and Scotland and Northern Ireland on the other. It sharply demonstrated the divide between upwardly mobile, well educated, multicultural English youth who voted to remain, especially in the city of London and the conservative, white, often racist, older and aging sections of English society who equated all of UK’s ills with EU membership. It sharply impacted world markets and brought the Pound to a new low. It brought to an end Prime Minister Cameron’s political career and now threatens that of Prime Minister May. There is no doubt that Brexit also represents the rise of right wing populism in UK and across Europe. This will inﬂ uence the agenda for mainstream political parties. It would also weaken the EU and its ability to tackle security issues or the problem of migrants. The divorce with Britain, scheduled for 29th March 2019, will make Britain inward looking, less prosperous and isolated from Europe. It would ultimately leave EU and Britain weaker, more divided and less capable of addressing the multiple challenges to international peace and security. As the clock moves inexorably towards 29th March 2019, both sides seem to be running out of options. In dramatic developments on 29th January 2019 and under euro sceptic pressure, the House of Commons narrowly passed a Government backed amendment pledging to replace the Irish backstop with ‘other arrangements’. Another amendment passed by a razor thin majority of 318 to 310 votes, tabled by Labour Jack Dromey and Conservative Caroline Spelman, ruled out a no deal exit. This will be important during the ﬁ nal vote. May was at that time given a two week deadline till 13th February 2019 to revive the deal. EU Council President Tusk immediately announced that EU will not reopen the deal noting: “The backstop is part of the withdrawal agreement and the withdrawal agreement is not open to negotiation.” May left for Brussels on 8th February ’19, but EU did not relent. Prior to her departure, an unyielding EU Council President Donald Tusk said: “The EU will make no new oﬀ er on Brexit. Those who promoted Britain’s exit without any understanding of how to deliver it deserve a special place in hell.” Tusk added that he had lost hope that Brexit might be stopped. The EU’s priority, he noted, was to avert a ‘ﬁ asco’ when UK leaves. Quick to respond, veteran Brexiteer Nigel Farage retorted: “After Brexit, we will be free of unelected, arrogant bullies like you- sounds like heaven to me.” It is now clear that the EU will not compromise on the backstop arrangement. Their position was clearly articulated by their chief negotiator Michel Barnier, who said: “Backstop Prime Minister Theresa May has matched their arrogant obduracy, imposing a patently unworkable timetable of two years on Brexit and laying down red lines that undermined negotiations with Brussels and doomed her deal to resoundingly bipartisan rejection in Parliament.” is the only operational solution to address Irish border issue. EU is ready to work on alternative solutions during transition.” With Brexit now days away, many nervous British lawmakers wish to seize control and steer the country towards a soft exit. Some lawmakers apprehend that May is deliberately wasting time so that Parliament will face a last minute choice between her deal and no deal. In the backdrop of 43 former British Ambassadors and High Commissioners adding their voices to calls for the UK Government to delay Brexit and consider holding a new 46 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 3 • March 2019, Noida

Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist March 2019 | Page 46