10 May Brexit: the never-ending opposition
Brexit has been a widely debated issue since before the 2016 referendum, but as the deadline keeps getting pushed further and further back, the opposition is not dying down.
The UK and European Union have agreed to further delay Brexit until 31 October. However, the UK could possibly leave earlier than that if a withdrawal deal is agreed to by both sides. As it stands right now there are many things in the way. Including public opinion, the EU parliamentary elections, and the opposition from the Labour party.
Public opinion
On the 29th March, which was widely referred to as the original “Brexit Day”, a pro-Brexit march led by the Leave Means Leave pressure group arrived in Parliament square and we were there to cover all that was happening.
People of all ages and political views were in attendance, with many voicing their reason for being there as a retaliation to the promise of leaving the EU by this date which was broken by the Government. The turnout for this march was much smaller than the one taking place in the week prior to that where it was reported that over one million attendees proudly voiced their opposition to Brexit.
Opposition from Labour
The Prime Minister is urging Labour to “put our differences aside for a moment” in order to agree on a deal so that the UK can leave the EU on the newly proposed date with a good deal.
As the Brexit process continues the Labour party is leaning towards a second referendum with many Labour MP’s stating that they’d refuse to vote for any deal May proposes without a people’s vote being discussed and offered to the people.
Stacey Jameson, a local Labour supporter, says she is fed up with the Brexit process. “At this point, it has gone on too long.” She states. “I care much more about this Brexit nightmare ending than I do about the actual outcome. All you see on the news is Brexit and frankly, I’m sick of it.”
When asked about a potential general election she said “Theresa May has shown us what an incompetent leader is. We need somebody else in charge, give Labour a chance to sort this mess out.”
EU parliamentary elections
As the EU parliamentary elections are coming closer, the UK will have to take part, otherwise, they will be forced to leave the EU on the 1st June with no deal. So, as it currently stands the United Kingdom will have to take part due to the legal obligation towards the EU. MP David Lidington says that “it is not going to be possible to finish that process” when referring to a Brexit plan being agreed to before the 23rd May.
