Completing the Task
TimeWatch Editorial
July 05, 2016
On Feb 24th 2016, The Economist published an article entitled “A background guide to “Brexit” from the European Union.” Of course by now you are acquainted with the term Brexit. If you are not acquainted with the term, it means “Britain’s Exit.” What is also amazing is that the matter of Britain’s possible departure from the European Union was not expected to actually occur. David Cameron, the Prime Minister, even though he set the date for a referendum did not really believe that the country would ultimately vote to leave. It was clear that the vote itself would put pressure on the leadership of the European Union in the negotiations that were proceeding.
“On February 20th David Cameron, Britain's prime minister, set June 23rd as the date for a referendum on the country’s membership of the European Union. His announcement followed a protracted renegotiation of the current conditions of Britain’s membership at a summit in Brussels. The move immediately prompted government ministers to declare their backing for either the “remain” or “leave” campaigns. Mr Cameron strongly believes in the benefits of continued EU membership, but a handful of high-profile MPs, including justice secretary, Michael Gove, and London's mayor Boris Johnson, have pledged support for the “out” campaigners.” The Economist, “A background guide to “Brexit” from the European Union” Feb 24th 2016
Michael Gove and Boris Johnson were not the only leaders in this mission to depart from the EU. Even though David Cameron was not connected to the Depart from the EU contingency, there were members of his party that felt that Britain would indeed put more pressure on the leadership of the EU, so that they might have greater flexibility in their decision making.
“Although he (David Cameron) has repeatedly urged his party to stop “banging on about Europe”, his Eurosceptic backbenchers, scared witless by the rise of Nigel Farage’s virulently anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP), have constantly hassled him to adopt a tougher line with Brussels. His response has generally been to appease them. One early morsel he threw them was the 2011 European Union Act, which requires any EU-wide treaty that passes substantive new powers to Brussels to be put to a British referendum. That sounded like a big concession, but no new treaties were then in prospect. In January 2013, Mr Cameron promised that, if the Tories were re-elected in May 2015, he would renegotiate Britain’s membership and hold an in-out referendum by the end of 2017.” The Economist, “A background guide to “Brexit” from the European Union” Feb 24th 2016
One other name that stands out among those who led the movement to depart from the EU was that of Nigel Farage. In fact Mr. Farage appeared immediately after the referendum was tallied to declare victory and to declare June 23, 2016 as Independence Day. The journey for Britain has indeed been a long one.
“Britain’s uneasy relationship with the European Union has a long history. In 1950 only 10% of Britain’s exports went to the six countries that formed the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Concerns about the Commonwealth, the welfare state and sovereignty led it to miss the boat at the Messina conference in 1955, when the ECSC countries decided to form the European Economic Community, the precursor of today’s EU. Instead, in 1960 Britain cajoled six much smaller European countries into forming the European Free-Trade Association (EFTA). But in 1961 a Tory government under Harold Macmillan, impressed by the EEC’s superior economic performance, decided to submit the first of several British applications to join. Britain eventually joined in 1973 under Edward Heath.” The Economist, “A background guide to “Brexit” from the European Union” Feb 24th 2016
What is truly startling however is that the two men who are considered frontline motivators for the Exit movement, have suddenly declared that they have done their work, and now, someone else must complete the task of separation and a new beginning. Boris Johnson has declared that
“Boris Johnson, one of the leading voices in the Brexit campaign and the man considered to be the favorite to replace outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron, delivered a bombshell Thursday when he announced he didn't want the job. Living up to his reputation as a political maverick, the former London mayor outlined the demands of the role over the course of a lengthy speech in London and then said: "Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in Parliament, I have concluded that that person cannot be me."Sat July 2, 2016
Nigel Farage did the same.
“Nigel Farage has resigned as Ukip leader after his success in the EU referendum and said: "I want my life back". The Ukip leader said "I feel I have done my bit" and "couldn't possibly achieve more" than he did in the EU referendum. At a press conference in London he said: "During this referendum campaign I said I want my country back. Now I want my life back.” The Telegraph, 4 July 2016
It is relatively easy to start a movement, finishing it is another matter entirely. What these men have proved is that the future will be challenging. They have also proved that perhaps they are not up to the challenge. There is an incredibly important lesson to be learned here. Finishing the task is as important as beginning it.
Cameron A. Bowen
