world

Angry over Brexit delay, 'Leave' supporters march through London

77 Comments
By Andrew MacAskill and Andrew Marshall

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2019.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

77 Comments
Login to comment

Agree that over regulation has been an issue promoted by some unscrupulous Brexit leaders but I’m pretty sure overbearing government and taxation were minor players. This is because the UK has largely voted in favour of EU regulation and sets it’s own tax policies. These issues, plus immigration, sovereignty, contributions, the democratic deficit et al have been leveraged to drive a wedge between the haves and the have nots.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It was promised that Britain could reset to those heady days of the 1970s as a free wheeling trading nation with world at its feet. I remember Britain in the 70s, it was s*#@.

I remember it, too, and agree. But the reason was overbearing government regulation and taxation. That's how Thatcher got in. The EU also represents overbearing regulation and taxation, though it leaves the British with much less hope of voting it all away and much less representation.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How about in the other 3 members of the union, two of which voted to remain?

Conveniently ignored.

It’s easy to forget that a dirty, grinding, undeclared war was fought in Northern Ireland rather recently. It’s so easy to forget, in fact, that three summers ago, 52 percent of the British electorate appeared to have forgotten, when they voted to leave the European Union. The British have long displayed a regally dismissive tendency to forget about the little island across the Irish Sea, and after 20 years of peace it may have seemed that what they used to refer to as “the Irish problem” had finally been solved. What they neglected to realize was that this new equilibrium, which many British and Irish people had come to take for granted, was facilitated by the European Union.*

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/30/opinion/sunday/northern-ireland-brexit.html

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

A fair and legally binding referendum was held and the public conveyed their opinion.

It wasn't legally binding. Cameron said they'd abide by the result...

*The bill did not contain any requirement for the UK Government to implement the results of the referendum, nor set a time limit by which a vote to leave the EU should be implemented.*

The Leave campaign used outright lies to galvanise support, and they knew which buttons to press: Turkey was about to join the EU and the UK would be flooded by Turkish people looking for work (a lie, Turkey will never join the EU as long as they have a government like they have), and of course there was the mega-size lie over the NHS related money on the side of the bus. Two lies to provide the disgruntled English in the port and manufacturing towns and cities with the fuel they needed to rise up. Of course you had your NIMBY types, English Defence League/BNP bovver boot types, and people who just don't like foreigners. Put all of that into the pot and of course you're going to have a Leave vote.

I voted remain, I still want to remain and if Brexit is cancelled I will be happy.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

A march of the bitter and twisted.

Or a march of the rightfully angry.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

The Brexit dividend was discredited long ago. Current losses to the treasury are estimated at £500m a week. Much more in fact than the exaggerated figure on the side of the Brexit Bus promised to the country. Even staunch Brexiteers accept there is a financial cost to leaving the EU, they just think it’s worth it.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The 51% were misinformed and told that the Brussels budget would be diverted to support the British economy.

Bombastic and false. It will. May has already stated that NHS funding would increase from the 'Brexit Dividend'. What else would it be used for?

But of course they were lied to by Farage, Johnson, and Rees-Mogg.

WE (i.e. you and me) were also lied to by Cameron and Osborne, the architects of this debacle. Get it out of your head that both Leavers and Remainers didn't lie and exaggerate to pursue their ambitions.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Only the self-deluded still do not understand that Brexit clearly does NOT mean Brexit and that the three years of mayhem have all been in vain. Cameron's wheeze was a pig with lipstick, nothing but a political ponzi scheme that succeeded in gulling 17.4 million of the UK's most ignorant and ill-informed punters into imagining xenophobic visions of blue passports and unicorns prancing around England's green and pleasant land free of "Johnny Foreigners". 'Twas all not to be and soon the UK will wake up from its bad dream and smell the delicious coffee of the European Union waiting to welcome back their chastened wayward "Prodigal Sons".

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Interesting point raised by Smith. Yes, the chances are the Leavers will also protest that they end up paying more through Brexit, but this raises an interesting point. The 51% were misinformed and told that the Brussels budget would be diverted to support the British economy. But of course they were lied to by Farage, Johnson, and Rees-Mogg. The 51% were not informed of the damage that Brexit would cause to the economy and to consumer prices. So they would be right to protest when it ends up hitting their pockets.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Barely any chance of a strong majority coming from an election. Opinion polls are pretty much 50/50. Politicians have done barely anything but have extra elections and discussed and voted about Brexit for past few years anyway.

I am no fan of Brexit but what I do know is that when they voted or chose to abstain the "Remain" camp accepted that Brexit meant Brexit. It was meant to happen 2 days ago and for some unexplained reason never did. This fact already has severely eroded trust in the democratic process.

This loss of trust will in the long term be much more damaging than Brexit itself. Political system needs fixing fast

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The BREXIT unicorn does not exist. Revoke Article 50 and call a general election. Only a government with a strong majority can resolve this problem.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"These people marching will also be the first to demand to know why their costs are so high, and what the government "couldn't just leave and still get the same trade with Europe despite forcing them to pay more. Not fair!"."

Never thought the day I would agree with ANYTHING you said would come; it did.

To my astonishment I even voted you up. Something is definitely wrong!!!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

These people marching will also be the first to demand to know why their costs are so high, and what the government "couldn't just leave and still get the same trade with Europe despite forcing them to pay more. Not fair!".

3 ( +4 / -1 )

And the "no charge" comment is currently being used, in an insulting manner, by Leave supporters.

I wasn't aware of this, and apologise for making you feel uncomfortable.

There should be no connection between bravely fighting WWII and modern day economic trade fees with Brussels.

There wouldn't be a Brussels without Palmerston or the BEF. Next time Europe decides to implode we'll be sure to make sure that *Charges Apply.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Clippety, the "no charge" comment about stopping Stalin and Hitler is an uncomfortable expression. As we all know, and many British lost their lives fighting two world wars, but if Britain were on the continent we would more than likely have fallen to Hitler too. There should be no charge for fighting such wars. And the "no charge" comment is currently being used, in an insulting manner, by Leave supporters.

There should be no connection between bravely fighting WWII and modern day economic trade fees with Brussels. The Brits fought those wars for more moral reasons.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

and seeing how that country has split into a divisive left or right

I honestly don't see that. At ground level, I see people talking about it in the pubs, in work and at home. They laugh and moan about it, as the majority of British people are wont to do. It hasn't been as bitter as social media memes would lead you to believe, and certainly it hasn't lead to a 'divisive left or right'. Some people seem eager to encourage chaos & division where it doesn't exist.

Personally I didn't think it was time for the UK to leave the EU, but it was inevitable at some point.

The Leave vote was purely to do with immigration and a dislike of Europeans.

Europeans have never liked us very much either, despite us expending millions of lives to stop their occasional tyrants (Philip II, Louis XIV, Napoleon, Wilhelm II, Stalin & Hitler) from crushing the whole continent*

*No charge

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

You could well be right Jim. But as you know, those anti-EU voters with the same level of political knowledge and intelligence as Tony Benn are a small minority. Compared to the majority of Daily Mail-reading, Benidorm-holidaying, Ryanair-travelling Brits. They would be the majority who voted Leave after seeing the posters of lines of Syrian refugees, or who listened to Farage's anti-Brussels hatred.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

You are fickle. Giving up on the ludicrous Etonian fop at the first betrayal.

I found your comment fascinating.

After the first sign of betrayal, I have always thought it wise to cease trusting someone.

I wouldn't call it fickle. I'd call it reasonable.

JRM had lambasted May's deal numerous times over the last few weeks, then he did a 180 and threw his support behind it in a matter of hours. I think that counts as a pretty big betrayal.

But going further than that, are you against people changing their opinion about something or someone?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The Leave vote was purely to do with immigration and a dislike of Europeans

Partly, not purely although you can bet that the lion’s share of bigots and racists voted out.

For a non-xenophobic argument against the European project, read Tony Benn’s writings on this topic.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Otherwise it just becomes a place to express frustration like in a bingo game.

A very good point.

Power given to the people who are split 51/49 is a very bad idea. And considering that the majority of that population believe read newspapers such as The Sun and the Daily Mail and vote purely for whoever is giving cheaper tax and increasing profits for homeowners. Not a very reliable majority of voters unfortunately.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

I am not downplaying any person right to express his/her opinion but direct democracy prerequisite is the ability to project oneself in the future to gauge the impact on yourself and the whole society.

Otherwise it just becomes a place to express frustration like in a bingo game.

This Brexit referendum is a clear study case for direct democracy in countries not used to it.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The Leave vote was purely to do with immigration and a dislike of Europeans. The 51% sounds about right in that 51% of the UK probably do dislike Europeans and any form of immigration - to be brutally honest.

The only problem for them is that they trusted certain politicians to lead their anti-immigration and Europhobic Brexit, only to discover that these politicians can only be trusted as far as you can throw them.

These certain politicians only played the immigration and anti-Europe card to win the referendum, so now the 51% no longer have that manifesto that they supposedly voted for.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

gold - we are probably similar in that we are watching this mess unfold from a distance, and seeing how that country has split into a divisive left or right, and all because of politicians' own personal careering (quote, Public Image Ltd, unquote). That last word should be left to John Lyndon who famously said, 'I don't trust any politicians. They are only politicians because they wouldn't get a job anywhere else'..

3 ( +3 / -0 )

17.4 million voted Leave.

So just leave already!

Yes, you’ve already posted this.

Is May’s habit of doing the same thing over again contagious?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The freedoms brexit will be are "freedom from employment, freedom from housing and freedom from food." Perhaps soon it will be England (a very small poor country) alone.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Damn autocorrect.

17.4 million voted Leave.

So just leave already!

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

17.4 mullion bored Leave.

So just leave already!

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

TTD nailed it, 3 great posts.

My home country has been divided in half by David Cameron's political folly that backfired on him, and on the electorate. The best way to look at this mess is to be truly independent of any vote on way or the other. Never before has the UK divided itself politically, and so aggressively. And all because of this EU referendum. 

Hope that, in a not-too distant future, both sides will say 'well, it was all worth it'. (but i have my doubts).

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Reverse the vote, then tell me how you would feel if the Leavers said that.

It’s a rediculous comparison, those that support remaining in the EU are not seeking to radically change the nation. I would say no to the change and support looking for, and addressing, the reasons why so many feel dispossessed.

I would not support chucking out the baby with the bathwater. This debate is corrosive.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

This whole sorry torturous Brexit rigmarole is a cross between Monty Python meets WestWorld, without technology.

Theresa May nailing the parrot back on the perch for a forth try, whilst furiously shaking the cage to sustain life.

The question is defining the difference between parrots and politicians.......

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Don't know much about British politics, though a line I read today seemed to sum it up: Schrödinger's cat exit. On a larger scale, there seems to be a growing electorate, and thus number of politicians, who want to both have and eat cake: they oppose but never propose. An American example is Trump and healthcare. In other words, they are spineless.

The ignoramus of British politics decided to insert his utter ignorance of American politics. Are you even American, sir?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Thanks for your reply

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Should just let the "huge" 51% "majority" get on with it and don't go down on their titanic.

One quick question, whilst trying to remain independent of this catfight, who is actually leading Brexit? I mean, the Leavers are demanding democracy, fine with that, but I do wonder who, apart from Theresa May, is leading their campaign?

Only Theresa May, of all people, is making some kind of effort to lead a Brexit. And the main Brexit protagonists - Farage, Johnson, and Rees-Mogg - are hiding in the shadows and even voting against May's Brexit deal.!

Brexiteers are voting against their own deal - should just stay on land and watch them sink.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Weird?

You have stated in your third, forth, and fifth paragraphs why here shouldn't be a second.

And perhaps why the first was an anomaly. with the benefit of hindsight.

The logic behind a plebiscite, referendum is a binary direct question put to a chosen group of voters, described/defined as eligible to review a decree. Not if, maybe,what or why. Just a simple yes, no …

What do I know so …...

What was wrong with the Brexit referendum and what would be wrong with a second

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/what-was-wrong-with-the-brexit-referendum-and-what-would-be-wrong-with-a-second/

The reasoning behind a second referendum is a political misnomer, a quandary to elevate or subjugate the first.

Or a method, if proven Monday, to obtain an extension to Article 50 equal too the current critical EU multi-annual financial framework budget.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Too many rubbish British humour lately.

When voted Leave, it's clearly Leave.

If there's a deal, that deal is already a problem even before a good handshake.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

It was promised that Britain could reset to those heady days of the 1970s as a free wheeling trading nation with world at its feet. I remember Britain in the 70s, it was s*#@.

Are you making that up? Or are you just taking the claim that Britain will be able to make its own trade deals and playing with it a little? And by the way, Theresa May has already said that the NHS will receive a sizeable funding increase from the 'Brexit Dividend'. Not 350 million squid a week of course, I'll give you that.

To imagine that a tiny majority can force its will upon a barely smaller minority is naive at best.

Reverse the vote, then tell me how you would feel if the Leavers said that.

You reap what you sow Brextremists.

Charming. My Dad is one of them, I've never seen him as extremist.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Earlier, about 1,000 Leave supporters had gathered at Bishop’s Park on the bank of the River Thames to march the four miles to parliament.

Sounds small compared the gathering not long ago by the opposing team.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Either way, leave or stay it should be 70%. But I guess Okinawa (70%) had no choice and abe will change the constitution with 0%.

Im worried I won’t be able to live and work in Europe and all the cool restaurants in London will close because not enough European waiters and chefs.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

An interesting collection of polls:

This is interesting indeed. It shows Leavers are way more tolerant than Remainers.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

An interesting collection of polls:

https://twitter.com/GoodwinMJ

9% of Leavers would mind if a relative married a strong Remainer

37% of Remainers would mind if a relative married a strong Leaver

Having a Remainer or Leaver as the romantic partner of your child:

75% of Leavers willing

53% of Remainers willing

Having a Remainer/Leaver as friend:

80% of Leavers willing

61% of Remainers willing

"Would you feel willing/unwilling to have a Remainer/Leaver as a co-worker?"

79% of Leavers willing

67% of Remainers willing

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

The country should just get on with Brexit and leaving the EU, despite the fact that I personally opt for Remain, but that's not the point.

The Labour party should just drop the subject and let Leave get on with it. No more Remain marches or calls for a second referendum. The biggest mistake Remainers made was to get involved in the debate.

Just tell the great "51%" majority to get on with their democracy. Then let's see where their leaders are. Oh yes, where are you Farage, Johnson, and Rees-Mogg.? I hate to give credit to this politician, but at least May is trying to get some kind of deal over the line.

Just let them get on with it and sit back and observe the great mess that will unfold. Then wait for your chance when the next general election is announced. The biggest mistake was for the opposition to enter the debate.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Clippetyclop,

The 350 million pounds the NHS would receive every week if the UK left the EU.

This was never stated and is false.

Both Boris Johnson and Michael Gove did. And knowing it was false defended their claims on several occasions. There were claims that new trade deals would be easy and free access to the EU was a given. Nothing was mentioned about the Good Friday Agreement. It was promised that Britain could reset to those heady days of the 1970s as a free wheeling trading nation with world at its feet. I remember Britain in the 70s, it was s*#@.

To imagine that a tiny majority can force its will upon a barely smaller minority is naive at best. This issue has split Britain and is the antithesis of democracy. There is a sizeable gammon faced minority of the Conservative party rubbing their hands with glee having successfully turned the country against itself. You reap what you sow Brextremists.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

My home country has been divided in half by David Cameron's political folly that backfired on him, and on the electorate. The best way to look at this mess is to be truly independent of any vote on way or the other.

Never before has the UK divided itself politically, and so aggressively. And all because of this EU referendum. Thanks to social media everyone and anyone airs their strong opinion - either flying their St Georges flag or demanding a second referendum. In the past we would vote, mainly Labour or Conservative, and would carry on with friendships despite any different choice of vote. I personally have never unfriended so many old acquaintances because of recent posts on fb with racist tones.

But let's remember one very important point. Almost 49% of the UK also voted to remain in the EU. So all the talk of democracy and "majorities" has completely ignored the fact that around half of the country disagreed with Brexit. It was by and large a split vote, highlighted by the huge division in the country today.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

The original Brexit vote was based on a fairy tale of lies. Now that UK citizens understand the reality, they have to vote again on that.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

The major problem of the referendum besides the close 3% voting margin was the lack of voting options.

What other options do you think should have been included? The EU isn't very flexible, they wouldn't have allowed us to change to a 'Have Cake And Eat It' status that gives us all the benefits of EU membership without the parts that we consider a burden.

If politicians everywhere needed 70% to win

Completely different gravy really Serrano, I'm sure you realise that.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

There has to be a second referendum and govt change. 70% should be the nesassary amount needed.

If a second referendum is held, neither side is going to get 70%.

If politicians everywhere needed 70% to win, almost no one would ever be able to hold office. Heck, even Barack Obama barely got over half the popular vote ( 51.1% ) in 2012. ( True! )

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Don't know much about British politics, though a line I read today seemed to sum it up: Schrödinger's cat exit. On a larger scale, there seems to be a growing electorate, and thus number of politicians, who want to both have and eat cake: they oppose but never propose. An American example is Trump and healthcare. In other words, they are spineless.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I think that's why so many don't want a second referendum.

Explain your reasoning, and the context that single sentence. represents

I think a lot of people don't want a second referendum, either because they want to stay, and are afraid that the people don't want to stay, or they want to leave, anad are afraid that the people want to leave. So they don't want a second referendum, because without one they can claim they are in the majority, whereas a referendum may show that they actually aren't.

Can you define the difference between a plebiscite in the context of a second referendum and a general election of the people because you clearly believe you are able too.

I do? Damn, that's weird, even I didn't know that! How do you know something about me that I don't even know. Also, since you seem to know that I believe I am able to, then can you also tell me the answer that you supposedly know I believe I have?

Anyways, the people were given the current information and asked if they want to leave. They said yes. Three years later, the people have a lot more information. Asking one more time if it's what they really want before actually doing it, is only responsible.

And if you say 'what about a third or fourth referendum', it makes no sense. If the people say 'leave', then there is no need for another referendum, nor even room for one. Just leave, everything is already as prepared as its going to get. Having another referendum after having left makes no sense.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I think that's why so many don't want a second referendum.

Explain your reasoning, and the context that single sentence. represents

Strangerland, so there is no confusion, I am requesting and addressing you directly to elaborate these statement.

Can you define the difference between a plebiscite in the context of a second referendum and a general election of the people because you clearly believe you are able too.

Debate politely, factually, UK and EU withdrawal from the European Union beyond your single sentence statements.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

never forget how far the elites will go to betray democracy.

Having another referendum is betraying democracy?

Getting a little rhetorical there mate.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Brexit: It's like people asked for a BBQ prepared by vegetarians.

Britain was an empire until very recently.

If the politicians fail and hold another referendum, 17.5 million people scattered throughout the Kingdom will never forget how far the elites will go to betray democracy.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

As the saying goes, 'don't ask the question if you don't want to know the answer'.

I think that's why so many don't want a second referendum.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Whether it was 'legally-binding' or not is imo anecdotal (the 1975 referendum was also non-binding, yet pollies listened); bottom line is, ppl expect/want their voices heard. You can't just ignore the result.

As the saying goes, 'don't ask the question if you don't want to know the answer'.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

"The legal default now is that the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union on April 12," May said

What happened to March 29? Oh, It's the new date when a no-deal Brexit could take place, after the EU's decision to delay the UK's departure from March 29. This is a big reason why people voted to leave. They don't want the EU making major decisions for their country.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

The vote proceeded under the agreed terms and now the result must acted upon.

Actually, it was a non-binding referendum, so no, 'must be acted upon' is not correct.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

GoodlucktoyouToday  10:19 am JST

52% vs 48%. How can you such an important decision on such a small percentage? It will trash the economy and shatter many lives. There has to be a second referendum and govt change. 70% should be the nesassary amount needed.

You wouldn't be saying that if the result had gone the way you wished. The vote proceeded under the agreed terms and now the result must acted upon.

If Parliament cannot agree a deal then no deal is the only way the referendum result can be honoured.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

17.4 million to Leave.

So let's leave already!

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

Where is this clown these days?

Probably in Panama squirreling away his family wealth. He and his Tory chums were always going to be immune from the consequences of their arrogance.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

I'm not in favour of Brexit, but both sides made false claims about the consequences of leaving in their campaigns. The difference is that the lies of the Remainers lost.

Yep.

I remember Cameron talking about the increased possibility of WW3 in the event of Brexit.

A pity he granted a referendum which increased the possibility of a catastrophic conflict with the potential death of millions. He must have thought stopping the rightwing of the Tory party defecting to UKIP was more important.

Where is this clown these days?

10 ( +10 / -0 )

The 350 million pounds the NHS would receive every week if the UK left the EU.

This was never stated and is false. The infamous bus in question had this written on it; "We send the EU 350 million a week. Let's fund our NHS instead". A small but important difference between would / could.

I'm not in favour of Brexit, but both sides made false claims about the consequences of leaving in their campaigns. The difference is that the lies of the Remainers lost.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Elitism and the aristocratic mindset are prevalent all across Europe, but especially strong in England

How about in the other 3 members of the union, two of which voted to remain?

How about in traditionally industrial areas of England like Bolsover, represented by a loudmouth, hard left ex-miner in parliament for near 50 years with a massive majority, who voted out? Are these people elitist and aristocratic?

Some of the generalizations people use to explain Brexit are as exasperating as the circus in parliament.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

52% vs 48%. How can you such an important decision on such a small percentage? It will trash the economy and shatter many lives. There has to be a second referendum and govt change. 70% should be the nesassary amount needed.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Burning BushToday  07:18 am JST

A fair and legally binding referendum 

It was not legally binding in the slightest. It was promised by someone who had no authority to make such a promise, purely to try and solve his own stupid party's infighting.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

burning bush:

A fair and legally binding referendum was held and the public conveyed their opinion.

Except the public were lied to leading up to the referendum. The fearmongering about the deluge of refugees and immigrants, despite a substantial number of foreigners coming (il)legally from outside the EU and this would not change regardless of Brexit. The 350 million pounds the NHS would receive every week if the UK left the EU. The NHS already has an insufficient number of workers and relies heavily on foreigners, as does the agricultural sector. Citizens who were living abroad (especially those in other EU countries), not being allowed to vote, correct me if I'm wrong. Very few people had any idea what Brexit would entail. How many people had thought about the Irish border?

Now that the public has a better understanding, and now that lies have been exposed, why not ask the people again? I'm sure those who want Brexit won't agree to a second referendum.....mainly because they know the majority will not want to leave the EU now.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

https://twitter.com/BBCNewsnight/status/1111401612440801281

Emily Maitlis nailed him on Newsnight. He's a charlatan, like so many of them.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I lost all respect for JRM two days ago. He said that May's deal was awful and then supported it. I would now like to see the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats consigned to the dustbin.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

I honestly think no deal will be better for them. I've watched a lot of the arguments against no deal, and i think most of them are false. Elitism and the aristocratic mindset are prevalent all across Europe, but especially strong in England, this coupled with economic illiteracy makes it really hard to watch.

1 ( +12 / -11 )

What a mess. Hard to have much respect for politics in Britain anymore.

17 ( +20 / -3 )

if it ends up no deal, so be it. politicians had their shot. they are there to serve the people who voted for them. period. and there isnt even any grey area on this: the majority said leave. its done. all this talk of a second vote...so if remain wins...does leave get to call a third vote? pathetic. just leave already.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

Being in the EU seems like more of a burden than a benefit.

-15 ( +13 / -28 )

"Excellent. We're now on track for a 'no deal,'" said saleswoman Louise Hemple, 52,

This utter imbecility astounds me. Funnily though, typically I think the whole process has been taken over by the media and politicians who for no real reason, other than to stir the pot, have decided that there could be a "betrayal of democracy," and the vocal, incredibly small minority who protest at events like this.

A lot of people I know voted to leave, but none of them had too much to lose, being either retired, in very well-paid jobs, being sheer bloody-minded or a combination of all three. Not to mention the lady I spoke to today who said her, her husband and most of her friends literally flipped a coin to decide how to vote, as they admitted to having no real idea what the entire debate was about. None of them are banging on about democracy now and are just bored of the whole thing.

12 ( +22 / -10 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites