the second referendum
OK, let’s not beat about the bush, tomorrow’s European Parliamentary elections are not about which individuals we send to Strasbourg on the 1st July. Like anyone actually cares who is going to be their next MEP! No, the only thing that matters in this poll is the number of pro-remain vs the number of pro-leave votes: Thursday’s vote is our second referendum in all but name. It is a European 751-seat election for a European institution but one that will ultimately determine our place and position within it, and consequently we must not underestimate its importance.
Brexiters and leavers, none more so than the resurgent Naughty Nigel, have understood this point from the onset and, with the anticipated mass tory-defection, they could well grab first place. And if this is the case he’ll be in a virtually unassailable position to push for a no-deal cliff-edge exit. In addition, he will demand his party immediately becomes an integral part of the government negotiating team. Here then is a warning to remainers: if you want to send a clear, unambiguous message about Brexit, you’ll need to send it LOUD and CLEAR. Remainers need to vote to remain.
The quandary many traditionally Labour voters are finding themselves in, myself included, is in which category do I place Labour? Deputy Leader Tom Watson tells me they are a “remain and reform party”. However, Barry Gardiner counters with “Labour is not a remain party now.” Emily Thornberry explains that “Labour would vote against Theresa May’s withdrawal bill”, whereas JC’s spokesman believes they’ll only “abstain” on it. As the US TV programme, Soap, used to open with “Confused? You will be!”
So, the two stalwarts of the remain campaign are the Lib Dems and the Greens. A vote for the former, lest we forget their coarse yet startling ‘B*llocks to Brexit’ manifesto slogan, would indeed send a resoundingly clear pro-remain message, and one I wouldn’t hold against you. Yet personally, I still can’t quite bring myself to forgive them their role in the coalition government and hence, this pickle. The latter have been unequivocally, consistently anti-Brexit and Caroline Lucas remains the most vociferous and potent voice of the whole campaign. Furthermore, a green vote would also have the benefit of shining a bright light on the darkest impending crisis of our time, and one that has the impetus to place our EU woes in the shade: global climate change.
Thursday in fact presents a rare opportunity for the British voter. With the pressure removed to choose a ‘first past the post’ government, perhaps we all, for better or for worse, can now follow our own convictions? Either way, get out there and put your pencil cross where your heart lies.
