Brexit is a futile tragedy that will be reversed in a few years

Brexit represents the catastrophic failure caused by Britain's "unwritten constitution" and a radically unbalanced and unequal federal arrangement (the "union" of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). While the government and Parliament restrained themselves within the conventions, an appearance of normality was sustained.

But when factions on the far wings, right and left, of the main political parties saw an opportunity to seize the agenda on the UK's relations with the rest of Europe, they did – especially on the right. This was the Brexit referendum offered by then prime minister David Cameron to quieten – as he thought – the far right wing of his Conservative Party.

Brexit chaos is looming in the UK.Credit:AP

Finally, why do the factions on the far right and left want Brexit?

Regarding the right: in January 2020 new EU laws come into force stopping EU citizens from holding funds in offshore tax havens. The backers of Brexit are high net worth interests with billions offshore.

Regarding the left: the old unreconstructed 1960s left (than which there is nothing more conservative … the dull-witted Corbyn et al) sees the EU as a capitalist conspiracy.

If any form of Brexit happens, it will not last. It will be reversed in a matter of a few years at most. Sheer demographics guarantee it: the under-50s in the UK are strong Europeans. So Brexit is futile – but hugely damaging. It is an unforgivable constitutional debacle. But it shows the way to very necessary reform in the politics and constitution of the UK.

The underlying weakness of the “Westminster Model” of parliamentary democracy is a danger to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India, and nearly 50 other ex-British Empire countries around the world. The UK is the first to fall apart because it hasn’t papered over the cracks with some constitutional adjustments, as in Australia and elsewhere.

A C Grayling is a British philosopher, author and commentator. His forthcoming book, The Good State, explores the weakness of the Westminster model and its danger to former British colonies and will be published by Oneworld in February.

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