Opinion
‘Let’s worry about this later’ – May’s Brexit policy
Prime minister Theresa May Photo: PA - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
Theresa May has once again engaged her favourite tactic when it comes to quitting the European Union – the policy of putting things off.
This is head-in-the-sand politics and, although it has saved her job thus far, the prime minister is heading for an almighty fall.
By delaying any decision on a customs partnership with the EU post Brexit she has bought herself more time. But at some point she needs to face up to the hardliners within her own party for the good of the country.
Her problem is complicated. The Conservatives, as they have been for decades, remain split on how close Britain should be to Europe. Unfortunately for her that promised massive majority failed to materialise and now the Brexit wing of her party – although in the minority overall – have the power to force a leadership challenge.
How long can the prime minister creep downstairs each morning wondering if the European Research Group has posted another diktat in the form of Brexit redlines through Number 10's letter box? This is no way to lead.
You may also want to watch:
She can't please everyone. So why not take on the ERG now and give herself some breathing space to negotiate?
Last time May was brave (stupid?) it backfired spectacularly. But she can't avoid being brave again forever.
Most Read
- 1 The stench of scandal seeping out from Britain
- 2 Why is devout Jacob Rees-Mogg so quiet about Boris Johnson's affairs?
- 3 Dominic Cummings' new venture could cause concern for No 10
- 4 Major and Blair were right about Brexit and Northern Ireland
- 5 Roman Kemp: Depression and coping with George Michael's death
- 6 Government deletes pro-Scottish independence blog post
- 7 The symbolism behind the reopening of pubs
- 8 Why are there so few BAME faces on the fronts of our newspapers?
- 9 David Cameron and Matt Hancock discussed NHS scheme over 'private drink'
- 10 PM chooses not to attend Prince Philip’s funeral because of guest limits
The time has come to silence the Brexit wing.
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.