Brexit is a phenomenon which, ten years ago; five years ago was not even up for consideration. Then it took a life of its own a few years ago and galvanized sufficient momentum as to get the then Prime Minister David Cameron to call for a Referendum, – Leave or Stay in the European Union.
That “YES, LETS” vote cost Cameron. He lost not only the membership of the EU that he had wanted but his losses racked up to include occupancy of 10 Downing Street, and finally, his membership of Westminster.
And that was how Mrs. Teresa May became Prime Minister on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Previously, David Cameron has appointed her Secretary of State for the Home Office.
May started out on the right note, she immediately made key appointments to her cabinet – a plus for any new head of government anywhere.
But Thursday, 13th makes it one year of May’s administration and the cry now is that the administration is lacking in ideas.
For me, it is clear that Britain is only realizing how anxious Europe was to bid Britain bye bye.
These aftershocks are what I call Brexit Blues – the outcomes of Britain going into slo-mo on what needed priority action.
The then French President FranciosHollande in a telephone call to the PM had repeated “his desire that negotiations for Britain’s exit from the EU should be launched as quickly as possible” (quoting a statement from the French President’s office).
Unfortunately, May chose to ignore him.
Surely, the EU would wait another half a decade or so while the United Kingdom sorted out its graceful exit?
It was not until March 29, over eight months later that the PM triggered Article 50 of the EU.
But not so at all was the thinking of Europe.
All the while, Europe was disgruntled. But all the while, Britain was unruffled. In the matter of elections, the PM had announced last September that there would not be early elections in order to entrench some stability after the Brexit ‘shock’.
But just seven months later she surprised everyone with a call for snap elections to take place in June. The disastrous outcome of those elections is a direct fallout of Brexit blues, I believe.
That inertia over Brexit divided up parliament and that caused and defeat at the polls with a Conservative PM now heading with a loss of majority seats. Such a political equation has a singular feature of Roadblocks-at-every-Turn; when you factor in external hostilities (read terrorists), it cannot be the best.
Crown that with Europe effectively saying – don’t forget anything as you leave, thank you very much, then turbulent times lie ahead.
I have a suggestion.
Britain should consider joining the African Union AU, as an honorary member.
Hold on-before the gasp of horror at the preposterous idea, before the huffing, puffing and spouting, Britain should consider the fact that she is the head of the Commonwealth of Nations, composed of many of the front-line African countries already; so why not go the whole hog?
There are certainly a number of similar challenges that both face.
For one, we are both major targets of terrorists, the only difference being Nigeria, where its own terrorists are home grown.
Even American journalists have noticed and remarked on Britain’s enduring; particular love for Northern Nigeria – the BBC even has a dedicated Hausa service!
Northern Nigeria is a huge part of Africa. Speaking of the North – the various component ethic nationalities in Nigeria now want OUT just like the British people, 30 million of them voted OUT, through Brexit.
Most African countries, including the ‘giants’ are battling the economy, – same as Britain whose inflation in April reached a 3 – year high. In any case, Europe has made no bones about Brexit being “Quick-Exit”; and with UKs Damian Green* positing that the Conservatives do not have a monopoly on wisdom, then something radical has to be done.
The shadow communities Secretary Andrew Gynne says “the government has completely run out of ideas”. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has now asked the PM to read the Labour Manifesto for ideas!
I know.
With ALL these points, I have STILL not been able to convince, on the AU.
No, I wasn’t really trying to! But with Teresa May in one year facing battles with the Commons, the Lords, the EU, the Jihadist terrorists AND calls for early election in September, then I am only emphasizing the need for a fresh approach, for a better outcome. I do wish the Prime Minister, all the Best!
07055547031 Whatsapp