UK: Last Call for Boris Johnson's Brexit Bus

by Andrew Ash
October 18, 2019 at 8:00 am

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/15042/brexit-last-call

Having put everything on the line by staking his reputation and premiership in defiance of his detractors' shameless cynicism, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson seems to be energised by the new Brexit deal. With a bit of luck, his tenacity might just pay off -- and the agonising wait to be free of the EU will finally be over.

Having put everything on the line by staking his reputation and premiership in defiance of his detractors' shameless cynicism, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson seems to be energised by the new Brexit deal. Pictured: Johnson (left) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker give statements to the media on October 17, 2019 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

"We've got a great new deal that takes back control," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted after last minute negotiations with European Union leaders in Brussels. The deal will now require the approval of both the European Parliament and UK Parliament – who have so far tried everything they can to derail the UK's exit from the European Union (EU). According to the BBC:

MPs have voted to hold an extra sitting in the Commons on Saturday to discuss the next steps.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the government would hold a vote on the deal and was not "not contemplating defeat".

But, he added, if the plan did not get the backing of MPs, the alternative was leaving without a deal.

The no-deal Brexit mentioned by Gove is something with which many might be quite happy.

Those who voted to leave the EU in 2016 might well find it hard not view the latest proceedings with a cynical eye, but it finally looks as though a departure from the EU could be real -- despite one half of the Conservative Party's coalition government -- Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) -- failing to support it. Stating the obvious by insisting that the Johnson is "too eager by far to get a deal at any cost", Nigel Dodds, the leader of the Conservatives' DUP bedfellows, appears not quite to get the point. After releasing a statement stating that the DUP could not back the proposals "as things stand," they somewhat unhelpfully failed to provide much further information.

Not surprisingly, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has described the deal as "even worse" than the efforts of Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, to secure an exit from the EU. Mr. Corbyn, having flatly rejected the new deal -- before even seeing all the details of it -- and said his party "will vote against the deal."

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, however, has described the negotiation's outcome as a "fair and balanced agreement for the EU and the UK..." He urged the European Council to accept it.

UK opposition MPs passed a law in September requiring the PM to request an extension on October 19 if Parliament had not by then agreed a deal, or backed a "no deal" Brexit.

Chief EU negotiator Michael Barnier described the new deal as "squaring this circle" on issues around the Irish border after the UK leaves the EU. The new deal's main elements include:

"Northern Ireland will remain aligned to [a] limited set of EU rules, notably related to goods."
"Northern Ireland will remain in the UK's customs territory. It will therefore benefit from the UK's future trade policy. But Northern Ireland will also remain an entry point into our single market."
On the issue of VAT, to "maintain the integrity of the single market but also satisfy the UK's legitimate wishes."
"Four years after the entry into force of the protocol, the elected representatives of Northern Ireland will be able to decide, by simple majority, whether to continue applying relevant Union rules in Northern Ireland or not."

Referring to the final point, Mr Barnier said: "This democratic support is a cornerstone of our newly-agreed approach." Some people see that as a last minute-concession to Johnson, who has previously blamed Brexit-phobic MPs of trying to stop a no-deal exit based on the EU's refusal to compromise on the "backstop".

The weekend vote – the first time MP's have been called upon to sit on a Saturday since 1982 -- will require Johnson to convince the opposition party, the DUP, to reverse its opposition to his deal, or to entice enough Labour rebels to defy Corbyn. If the Prime Minister does not get sufficient backing, the only alternative would be a no-deal Brexit. If Mr. Johnson had not secured a deal this week, he would have been legally required to seek a further three-month delay to the current October 31 deadline.

Having put everything on the line by staking his reputation and premiership in defiance of his detractors' shameless cynicism, Prime Minister Johnson seems to be energised by the new deal. With a bit of luck, his tenacity might just pay off -- and the agonising wait to be free of the EU will finally be over.

Andrew Ash is based in the United Kingdom.

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Comment on this item

28 Reader Comments

Juanita Skelton • Oct 21, 2019 at 18:45

May I just say... every comment is so brilliant too! I enjoy this Gatestone so very much. The people who comment are so very smart, knowledgeable, and very funny too!

Thank you, people of Gatestone!!!!

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Juanita Skelton • Oct 21, 2019 at 12:38

Once upon a time... we thought uniting across language, geography, policy, and justice for all, was always a great possibility. Just repeating the phrase..."no deal Brexit" sounds too small for such great nations and peoples that we know have always overcome barriers to growth, repair, and investment. To believe that such a great nation as the UK cannot survive without re-aligning itself with Europe or Asia or America or Malaysia, just doesn't ring true.

Strength in numbers is only beneficial in the determination of the will of the people. When it comes to independence, every nation on earth knows the value of sovereignty. Whatever brings diverse people together, can also tear them apart. "There is a time for all things under the sun!"

Freedom is NOT for sale... nor is it for the sole use of any nation. If a nation feels a disturbing loss of sovereignty and independence, then something is amiss.

I only hope Mr. Ash is correct in his hope for the UK. No one should be forced to deal, or to not deal. What is best will be revealed because the intelligent ideas that formed such a great nation are not gone... they may just be buried under some false illusions.

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Steve

Juanita Skelton • Jun 2, 2023 at 17:27

There has NEVER been a Brexit... only the illusion of it. All the politicians are remainers, happy to pick up a salary and roam around as celebrities. The UK is run by the EU... foolstop (mis-spellt purposely).

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Robert Koomans • Oct 20, 2019 at 17:23

Although I was born English, I don't take sides in party politics of the UK anymore. However, I certainly see that many Labor Party members must have some personal financial reason to remain glued to the EU's teat! But to keep such course, sounds dangerously partisan to a dictatorial body, who allows no diversion from its controlling rules. Therefore, IF Great Britain wants to keep their own freedoms, then either the opposing Brexit politicians should all resign their citizenship, and move to EU nations, or quit politics altogether. Australia has suffered from allowing itself to remain under UN ideals and US directions... to the unnecessary cost of hundreds of military lives.

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Badger • Oct 20, 2019 at 13:10

This is May's WAB with some tweaks to the backstop that will split the UK. Johnson is betraying us just as badly as May tried to do. We have not got our fisheries back. The European court will still be the final arbiter in future disputes. Our foreign policy must not conflict with any EU foreign policy. We are still paying £39 billion just to 'leave.' Our military will come under the control of a foreign power. If there is a further extension it will cost us £350 million a week for a predicablly negative outcome. We will have to conform to the EU's tax policies, that is, we cannot set our own taxation levels. And more. This is not Brexit. It is BRINO. I knew all along that first May then Johnson were making a mountain out of the backstop molehill in order for the EU to finally make a minor compromise and present the PM with a 'victory' and in the confusion and relief he hopes no one will notice we are still getting May's worst deal in history. We are being treated like a defeated and occupied enemy. THIS . IS . NOT . BREXIT

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Hamish MacDonald • Oct 19, 2019 at 04:37

Europe, whatever country, must identify with a positive outlook.
This is immediately translated into the birthrate. The birthrate is the one quantifier.
That implies that it re-examine its inherited suicidal outlook, and get on with the task of family building.

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Peter • Oct 19, 2019 at 01:48

You are either IN or OUT of the EU. People voted to escape the EU and regain their freedom, independence and self-government. They voted for Great Britain, for Britain to be Great Again - not saddled with Brussels. You cannot be free if you are tied to someone else, just as you cannot be half pregnant. The voters knew exactly what they voted for. And any "Deal" is a bad deal except the one you negotiate from a strong position (ie. one where you don't have to make a deal).

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Della Hynes • Oct 18, 2019 at 20:43

This does not take the UK out of the EU. Their outrageous shackles persist:-

· Regulatory Alignment i.e. following EU rules and regulations
· No State Aid to help British industry
· Subject to EU Competition law
· Restrictions on our tax rates
· Access to our fishing waters
· Military Integration
· Giving away our €5.5billion share of the European Investment Bank whilst remaining a €500billion guarantor to an EU economic bailout.
· An alternative system of freedom of movement

This looks like still being under the EU jackboot. Could you imagine them daring to make such demands on Canada in exchange for a FTA? And the EU have refused to even discuss a FTA until the UK signs this straitjacket Treaty.
No wonder Juncker was smiling - always an ominous sign.

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Elizabeth T. • Oct 18, 2019 at 19:50

How refreshing to read this common sense and in touch with reality article.
Thank you Andrew Ash!

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Judy Wall • Oct 18, 2019 at 16:13

Brexit stalled: a classic case of politicians thwarting the will of the people. Good luck to Johnson in making it happen.

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robert obenshain • Oct 18, 2019 at 15:02

This agreement is Trojan Horse for the Brexiteers. This flawed agreement binds the British Government to the EU in all matters pertaining to governance, culture, borders, and relations with all other EU nations. Britain is much better off letting the current treaty expire, I would rather see a full trade agreement with the US than the Brits tied up by Brussels bureaucrats.

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Bisley • Oct 18, 2019 at 13:31

The new deal is substantially the same as the old deal, and it isn't leaving the EU. It achieves the same end through slightly different wording and means, and amounts to pretending to leave by remaining a member in most ways, but without formal membership. Leaving would mean no deal to remain aligned with the EU in any way, and Britain going its own way with its own laws, regulations, standards, tax structure, etc., and competing with the EU -- this isn't it.

If Boris gets this through Parliament, and the public comes to understand what's been done to them, there will be a price to pay. When they realize that this deal is no different in its effects from May's deal, the Tories will be out in the next election. If the UK is ever to escape EU control, there will have to be a government that wants to leave (and will reject any deal this one makes, and really leave). Neither Tory, or Labour is going to do it, but Farage may have a chance at it in the next election if the Tories succeed with this sell-out. Even if it fails and EU membership ends automatically, it will take an entirely different sort of government to put all the changes into effect that will be needed to make it work in Britain's interest. The present lot are more likely to sabotage it to make sure it doesn't work, and claim they have to go back to the EU to save the country.

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william carr • Oct 18, 2019 at 13:25

The remainers are trying to scare people with threats of economic disaster, the sell off of the NHS etc. The fact is UK has always been a leader in Europe and we got on fine before we joined. The idea that all our rights and safety rules are going to pot if we leave is utter nonsense. We are not children who will be lost after we cut the apron strings and we do not need the Europeans to tell us how to run a country. They have forgotten we were running our country and fighting Nazi Germany single handedly while they were under Hitler's boots. At one point they did not want us in the EU at all!

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Lisel Sipes • Oct 18, 2019 at 12:10

Three Thousand cheers for Prime Minister Boris Johnson!

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David Ashton • Oct 18, 2019 at 10:03

Read the small print as the Brexit Party & DUP have done.

One thing important for the future is that Europe from Belfast to Belgrade retains its European identity in face of Islamist fanaticism, Chinese imperialism and African mass-migration.

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Jon Hawkins

David Ashton • Oct 18, 2019 at 10:54

You are so right,European society and culture is going down the pan. No amount of integration will fix it. We need action on a governmental level.

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David Radlett • Oct 18, 2019 at 09:59

On the point about a no-deal Brexit, I do not know of any people who voted leave in the expectation that there would have to be a deal. For us, leave actually did mean leave: no ifs, buts or maybes ...

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David Lang

David Radlett • Oct 19, 2019 at 11:14

Well said, David. No deal was implicit and certainly what I voted for knowing exactly what my LEAVE vote meant: Our departure. WTO OUT on 31st October 2019. Now watch the shenanigans and subterfuge as the day approaches...

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Cliff • Oct 18, 2019 at 09:58

The referendum in 2016 was held on the basis of incorrect facts and lies. Also that all recent polls show a majority in favour of either remain and/or a second referendum. This is a bad deal and will be divisive for the UK. It will be to the detriment of the UK as a whole who will loose the many benefits of EU membership.

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Rosandy

Cliff • Oct 18, 2019 at 10:35

Your recent polls must have been conducted with a selected group. If there was another 'genuine' poll you will find that Leave would have increased their voting base.

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John Rew

Cliff • Oct 18, 2019 at 10:55

I'm afraid that I'm too thick to be aware of the 'many benefits of EU membership'; could you please point them out?

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Ian Garbutt

Cliff • Oct 18, 2019 at 11:26

Could you please explain what these so called many benefits of EU membership are?

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Jablin

Cliff • Oct 18, 2019 at 11:43

This is the usual trope trotted out by pathetic referendum losing Remoaners. We all knew exactly what we were voting for i.e. out of the EU and without any mention of a deal. Has anyone seen planes falling from the sky, increased unemployment, inability to get medications or the food shortages that the remainers said would result from a vote to leave the EU. NO! Roll on a general election now, a change to our two party system, dissolution of the House of Lords and, of course, Brexit but, not in name only this time.

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Yvette

Cliff • Oct 18, 2019 at 11:47

What incorrect facts and lies?
What benefits?
And what problem is the EU the solution to?

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Phil Copson • Oct 18, 2019 at 09:54

A clean break and taking back control of our laws and institutions is exactly what was on offer and exactly what was voted for.

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A. Holden • Oct 18, 2019 at 09:50

You have failed to mention the EU defense union. It is because of this, an agreement that ties us into the EU in perpetuity that the EU is happy with the agreement. Without total control of our armed forces, we are no longer a sovereign nation. This is the ultimate betrayal of the British people. The door is now open for the conscription of our sons and daughters to fight whatever (expansionist) battles the EU sees fit.

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cannuck21

A. Holden • Oct 18, 2019 at 11:15

I hope that you are wrong....but I fear not. If you are proved correct, then the next election (if there ever is one in my lifetime) needs to be a time of reckoning for the crooks in Westminster.

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Ian Garbutt • Oct 18, 2019 at 09:48

Most people who voted to Leave in 2016 voted to Leave, not for a deal.
The so called 'no Deal' is wrongly named. It is leaving on WTO terms and would quickly lead to a trade deal with the EU.
The MPs who took so-called no deal off the table surely do not understand how to negotiate. They only want to thwart Brexit in doing this.

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