The Contradictory Political Philosophy of Brexit

Published date01 April 2017
Date01 April 2017
DOIhttp://doi.org/10.1177/2041905817702735
26 POLITICAL INSIGHT APRIL 2017
The Brexit referendum on 23 June
2016 produced a def‌initive, if
close, result that went against the
government’s recommendation to
remain in the EU. Hence the people’s verdict
was very much a revolt of the governed, who
chose not to side with the serried ranks of
elites and experts – including foreign leaders
such as President Obama – advocating the
status quo. But while the referendum may have
momentarily empowered the people, Britons
remain dependent on the government to carry
out the incredibly complex job of severing ties
with the European Union.
The Contradictory
Political Philosophy
of Brexit
Brexit rests on a profound contradiction, argues Andrew Glencross.
Voters rejected government advice to stay in the European Union, but
rely on the same parliamentary majority to craft a better alternative.
A general election – or second referendum – is likely before the UK
leaves the EU.
Post-1945, the stakes have never been
higher for the incumbent at 10 Downing
Street as leaving behind the single market
would constitute a huge economic gamble,
one liable to produce even more political
volatility. That is why Theresa May will be
minded to ensure her government has
suf‌f‌icient public support for actually putting
Brexit into practice. Initially, her strategy
rested on temporising measures: promising
a Great Repeal Bill and attempting to initiate
EU withdrawal by Crown prerogative. But
the Supreme Court cut short this dithering
and forced the government to confront

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