The clock ticks ever onwards. The transition deal is finally signed, and the sunlit lands of a post-Brexit future await us, at least according to some politicians. Over the past eighteen months, I have had the distinct impression that I am observing an elaborate pantomime, complete with hissing villains and dashing heroes. The opposing sides continuously vilify one another, leaving little or no room for positive political discourse. Furthermore, we have a rabid tabloid press who are intent on misleading people, while attempting to smear anyone brave enough to offer a counter-argument to the current narrative of isolationism, protectionism, and xenophobia.
On Monday, we had the pleasure of seeing The Secretary of State for Brexit shaking hands (somewhat awkwardly) with the EU’s chief negotiator, hailing the completion of this crucial phase as a decisive step forward. I welcome progress. However, I struggle to see any light at the end of this never-ending tunnel. Let me explain why. The humongous amount of legislation that has to be ratified by the government will inevitably lead us to the only possible scenario; time will run out. Amazingly, neither the UK nor the EU had the foresight to include an extension clause within the new transition deal. Unfortunately, as December 2020 draws to a close, I fear that we will have barely succeeded in reaching the base camp of this Everest the country has chosen to climb, let alone scaled the summit. No matter how long the diversion, we are still speeding towards that plunging cliff edge.
We are living in surreal times, where brash, bold and frankly offensive stunts hold more sway than indisputable fact. On Wednesday, Nigel Farage led a protest against the signing of the transition deal. Accompanied by other Leave campaigners aboard the inspiringly named “HMS Brexit”, he ceremoniously dumped dead haddock into the Themes. Apparently, this farcical showboating was to highlight the plight of the UK’s fishing industry. Mr. Farage has attended just two meetings, out of a possible fifty-two on the subject of fishery policy. How can Nigel Farage proclaim himself as the voice of fisherman, while at the same time brazenly neglecting his European Parliamentary duties? I have no objection to Fisherman trying to protect their livelihood, but surely quotas are enforced for a reason? We reside on an overpopulated planet with a finite amount of natural resources, therefore reducing the potential for overfishing can only be beneficial to the Earth.
I am extremely concerned that the lives of future generations are being jeopardised, for the sake of short-term profits and political gains.
See you next week,
John xx
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