Britain set to leave EU after protracted efforts
News that European leaders signed off Britains draft divorce deal may seem like a way ahead in what can easily be called a quagmire of friction, dissension and strife. Brexit sounded easy when the people voted to leave the European Union, galvanized by a roaring sense of national pride and a desire for self-determination. Regrettably, the times following the EU referendum has been anything but smooth. In the continuing tumult, the talks of Britain leaving the EU has triggered several contentious debates about single market, customs union and obviously the most discussed issue of recent times - the Irish border. It may not be wrong to say that in the initial euphoria that accompanied the result of the referendum, very few envisaged the maelstrom about to engulf the UK.
At times it became evident that people voted to leave out of impulse, driven by a vacuous sense of pride without considering the possible ramifications. The result of such a precipitous move is manifested in the current Conservative government divided, polarised, bewildered and yet, trying to assert a unified faade. Ministers have resigned, there has been public denunciation of Theresa Mays Chequers plan by her own party members with one Conservative leader saying it unequivocally in parliament that the PM has flouted on many of her promises in making a deal which is more appeasing towards the European nations. The whole idea of Brexit was to cut off links with Europe and go it alone though as things currently stand, the deal which is being proposed has many compromises, leading to the opposition Labour party denouncing it and many ruling party MPs voicing vociferous dissent.
At such a stage, what will happen after March 29, 2019, the date after which Britain will be out of the European Union, is uncertain. However, what is certain is that trade in the region will see some radical shifts though Britian will remain in the single market for 21 months after the departure.
With such twists and turns at every moment, it will be impolitic to make any predictions but this much is sure, the break-up will send ripples across the globe for some time to come. Within the UK, the divisions that have emerged from the Brexit shenanigans may get wider, leading to more political bickering as many economists have prophesied an economic turmoil within the UK following March 2019.
Be that as it may, the positive from the Brexit soap opera is that the world can see democracy in action where individual opinion matters above party coaxing.
