MOVING ON, BECAUSE WE MUST
Tempers are frayed, emotions are running high and composure is fragile – everyone is now saying what they’ve been thinking for a while. Many of those who switched from Labour to Conservative must be thinking they made the right choice if this is what his own party thinks of him. Everything I have written about in the last couple of days has been said by others before I’ve got a chance to publish so it seems pointless now – This article is focused on the positives. Sometimes we need a seismic event to make change happen. Let’s put ourselves in each other’s shoes and realise ultimately we all want pretty much the same. So, let’s make it happen.
A QUICK SUMMARY OF THE FACTS
More people voted for Parties who wanted a 2nd referendum, but the Conservatives now have a big majority in Parliament. But the ERS graphic of what we voted for and what we got is pretty meaningless beyond that baseline fact because as I said last month this was a rotten election and we can never know what people would’ve actually voted for had we had a fair and democratic system.
The other facts are, and this is important. None of us really knows what Boris Johnson or Jeremy Corbyn really think about Brexit.
WHAT WON THE ELECTION
Strategy and Trust.
The LibDems, Greens, TIGFC, Brexit Party and the brave Independent MPs never stood a chance – it was always going to be a binary choice between someone you knew you shouldn’t trust and someone you couldn’t trust. Which way you voted depended on which you decided to be the least worst option.
Whether you lived in the city or town & country. The geographical map show here can give a wrong impression – only when you look at the population map of voters does is all become clearer.
Scotland and Northern Ireland had different choices, but both were also binary.
GOOD vs EVIL. CAN WE LOOK IN THE MIRROR OR SLEEP AT NIGHT?
I’m sure both Johnson and Corbyn thought they were the saviour and their opponent the devil. It’s not like Corbyn had no warning. He’s been billed as the least popular labour leader for some time now. How did he expect people to react when he refused to say how he would vote in a 2nd referendum? Basic rule of leadership is, make sure everyone knows your opinion and try to influence theirs.
And I’m trying to understand what could’ve gone through Johnson’s mind when he was told by advisors they wouldn’t let him be interviewed by Andrew Neil, but instead he must wear a costume and drive a truck through a pretend wall. Were these really the best our country had to offer?
THE NEW MPS WILL BE DISAPPOINTED AS THE SPOTLIGHT FADES
The world has been gripped by the events of our last Parliament. MPs who put country before Party and paid the price. MPs who, after decades of pendulum politics, had a chance to improve the lives of the voters. Thrown away because of unfounded wishful thinking.
How long before the BBC Parliament ratings slump, and MPs realise they now have no influence whatsoever and decide to fiddle their expenses out of sheer boredom.
LOOKING BEYOND THE EU TO WHAT WE REALLY NEED
The European Union although always the best option was never an easy sell. It’s inability to develop into a proper federation where nations can feel whole. So, let’s take this opportunity, of looking ahead to create a proper federation where the people of England and Norway and Switzerland want to join. Let’s not strive to go back to what we were not happy with. Let’s look forward to something all Europeans can be proud of. Oh dear, I’ve shocked you now. Well let’s see how this year pans out and we can talk some more.
MY PRIORITIES FOR 2020
Finally Labour will realise they must embrace a form of PR. No point berating them for not joining the democrats among us sooner, let’s celebrate the fact it’s happening now. This parliament will plod through the year but the decisions about our future relationship with Europe will not be made there and MPs will have very little say. They can turn up with their rubber stamps if they desire, but I say, let’s sit this one out. Let’s build a multi-party system outside of parliament, engage with the public. Show the Scots and the Irish that we do respect them and show the English that a Federal system is best for England, and Britain. Let the people of Northern Ireland and Scotland make their own decision about their future, but show them that a Federal Britain is an alternative, but that the choice is still theirs and we will be close friendly neighbours, however we all choose to govern ourselves. Respect is everything.
I’m staying positive. Are you?
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Stuart Clark, Editor, UK
Stuart Clark is currently, board member and Nominations officer for the Federalist Party
He was leader of the UK section of the European Federalist Party 2013-2016. He is active with Alliance Europa, and also the Federal Union in UK. As well as promoting Federalism, Stuart also campaigns for constitutional reform and electoral reform. He stood for Council Election in Lambeth in 2018. Stuart works for a global ticketing company and is based in London and Cornwall.