Bloody academics are as much of a pointless nuisance as politicians. To make it worse they're 'arrogant' enough to think they know it all. Chris's notion that leavers knew what they were doing in 2016 is the result of a closeted existence and a closed mind.
The author is allowed to make this argument because he’s not a Tory politician. But with what we now know about the Welsh & Scots assembly votes, that theoretically should be the end of Brexiters making this argument. They no longer have a leg to stand on.
cjbickerton A PeoplesVote is certainly *not* an easy way out, not for anyone let alone MPs. But it is the only way out. So it is necessary. However, it is not sufficient.
“Who can determine whether people are well enough informed to allow a result to pass?” Well, vote again and find out.
I stopped at you labelling people as ‘Remainers’ when you are talking about an issue that goes beyond any individual’s vote. This language is part of the problem. It’s lazy and inaccurate. But up until the very first word this was a potentially great article. 🙄
He seems to think the only argument from campaigners for a second vote is ignorance. What if neither Remainers nor Leavers had the critical bit of knowledge in 2016 because it did not yet exist - the deal?
Same old argument that having a second referendum is somehow anti-democratic. I would have hoped a “Cambridge Academic” might come up with something a little more insightful and robust.
Been saying this for some time now. Democracy loses it's virtue and value when combined with populism and sentiment. Admitted that a mistake was made serves the interest of the UK better than yielding to the created chaos that stems from the same political system.
Wish they’d stop this idea of a second referendum. We’ve decided on the first one. Please move on.
Referendum result was the product of lies and criminality but a second referendum is undemocratic ? That sounds like lefty bullshit. Which smells just as bad as the right wing kind. We won't be fooled again.
Not for democracy ? Do you even understand how democracy works ?
There is nothing - absolutely nothing - undemocratic about asking an electorate “are you sure?” Anyone claiming so is a bare-faced liar.
We were promised ‘strong and stable govt’ at the last election. The PM hasnt delivered her promise. She needs to resign as she not the right person to lead: she is too emotionally engaged in her ‘deal’ and can’t see any other option. Govt of National Unity to take us forward?
The author makes some good points, referenda are a terrible way of resolving issues but he neglects to mention that when the Executive refuses to acknowledge reality and runs roughshod over established parliamentary, we are left in hock to tyranny.
Why can't we just leave with a Canada-style free trade agreement? All this posturing, bitterness and time wasting is doing so much harm.
Bullshit
What about allowing the conclusion of criminal investigations surrounding the initial referendum before fulfilling the result?
The end of Democracy --- when a government holds back to back referendums as a means of getting the result they desire. Why not save people time and simply ignore the people's voice?
Can't argue with this headline.