Leader of the Scottish National Party in the House of Commons Ian Blackford said that the British political parties are undergoing talks in an attempt to reach an agreement on a path that clears the way for exiting the European Union.
PM Theresa May, along with opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, is committed to the Brexit deal, while other parties are trying to refer this issue to the public once again, among them is the Scottish National Party, in addition to independent groups and Democratic Liberals, including Plaid Cymru in Wales, and those who were taken away from the discussions.
Blackford also mentioned that during the last two weeks’ voting sessions, the suggestion to take the Brexit case to a public referendum gained a big number of votes, followed by the suggestion of leaving the EU under the banner of a customs union. Therefore, the possible path might be to blend both suggestions into one proposal, where exiting the EU becomes under the shadow of a customs union, set for a public vote. However, neither party leaders will agree on that, because they both want to make Brexit easier.
Moreover, Blackford sees that the two main parties are trying to avoid the long extension of the procedures of Article 50, since they are afraid of getting unfavorable results in the European elections, in case the latter take place. While the Conservatives are predicting to lose votes against Nigel Farage, the new Brexit party leader, and the UK Independence Party, the Labour Party is also predicting to lose votes against the Independence Party.
Blackford further says that conducting meetings with the ambassadors of four main nations in the EU added to the UK Parliament’s desire to extend the Brexit procedures in order to prevent the United Nations from leaving the European bloc without a deal. Their governments also want to avoid the economic consequences of Britain’s exit, which could harm the EU.
He also added that the main tactic that both May and Corbyn will resort to in order to avoid a long extension lies in a sort of agreement to leave while remaining in the customs union; although leaving while remaining within the regulations of the customs union is not a smooth exit, as it does not guarantee the trade process without disagreements between Britain and the union, therefore, it will not solve the issue of the Irish borders.
Blackford thinks that any of May’s promises regarding preserving these guarantees after Brexit must be doubted, given that she will leave her post as prime minister by the end of this year, and someone who will be adamant about leaving without a customs union will take her place. It is also extremely difficult for the current PM to put rules before her successor.
He also believes that the two parties of the nation might declare that they are unable to reach an agreement, but they will agree on the Parliament’s voting procedures behind closed doors. This will allow the Labour Party to say that it supported the public voting in order to facilitate the exit within the customs union frame. In case this happens, it acts as betrayal for the Labour Party members and the working class that it represents.
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