Remain at it's Core.

On June 23rd 2016 (23/6/16) Britain held a referendum on whether it wished to Leave or Remain part of the European Union (EU).

This vote was the largest democratic exercise in British political history. 72% of 46.5 million registered voters participated.

It was larger even than the 1975 referendum on joining what would become the EU. There only 64% of 40 million registered voters participated.

Of those 46.5 million voters 17.4 million voted for Britain to Leave the EU.

This was not just a clear decision to Leave the EU. It was also a victory over the 17.3 million voters who voted for Britain to join the EU back in 1975.

Despite the growing population the total number of voters who wanted to be part of the EU actually fell between 1975 and 2016. From 17.3 million to 16.1 million.

On February 8th 2017 (8/2/17) the lower, elected house of Parliament, the House of Commons, finally voted overwhelmingly to accept the decision to the electorate. Passing the EU (Withdrawal Notification) Act 2017 after months of opposition and delaying tactics.

The passing of the EU (Withdrawal Notification) Act 2017 allowed the British government to formally notify the EU of its intention to leave. On March 29th 2017 (29/3/17).

The issuing of that formal notification triggered the start of a negotiation process over the manner of Britain's exit from the EU. Set to expire on March 29th 2019 (29/3/19).

In November 2018 the EU and Britain reached an agreement on the manner of Britain's exit from the EU. This was an extremely strong agreement which gave Britain unprecedentedly favourable terms.

That Withdrawal Agreement was put before the Commons on January 16th 2019 (16/1/19). It was rejected by MP's.

The Withdrawal Agreement was put before the Commons again on March 13th 2019 (13/3/19). Again it was rejected by MP's.

Having refused to adopt the Withdrawal Agreement twice the Commons forced the British government to seek a delay on leaving the EU. At the EU Council (EUCO) summit on March 22nd 2019 (22/3/19).

There Britain was offered two options. A delay until May 22nd 2019 (22/5/19) on condition the elected house adopted the Withdrawal Agreement. Or a delay until April 12th 2019 (12/4/19) if it did not.

The British government failed to even attempt to accept the offer of a delay until May 22nd (22/5/19). Refusing to put the Withdrawal Agreement to the Commons for a third time.

This forced Britain to seek another delay of Leaving the EU on April 10th 2019 (10/4/19). This time until October 31st 2019 (31/1/0/19).

This caused the government of then Prime Minister Theresa May to collapse. Being replaced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the elected member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip since 2015. 

As the House of Commons went on another very long holiday and the British economy was driven into recession.

Today (3/9/19) the House of Commons has returned. 

The Labour Party MP Hilary Benn is attempting to use this first day of Parliamentary business to force another delay to Britain Leaving the EU. Through the European Union (Withdrawal) (No 6) Bill he is planning to introduce.

If adopted by the Commons Benn's Bill will force the British government to seek a delay on Leaving the EU until January 31st 2020 (31/1/20).

If the EU offers the an extension to a date other than 31/1/20 Benn's Bill automatically signs Britain up to that delay. Regardless of what it may entail or how long it will be for.

So if passed Benn's Bill could force Britain to Remain part of the EU for the next 100 years. If that is what the EU decide.

Or, as is far more likely, Benn's Bill could force Britain to Remain part of the EU until the autumn of 2020. Forcing Britain to commit to the EU's next seven year budget cycle. Lasting until 2027.

That Britain's Parliament would even consider such a motion is highly legally, constitutionally and morally problematic.

If passed Benn's blank cheque would entirely remove power from the hands of British voters. It would then place that power completely in the hands of the, unelected to Britain, EU Council.

This is so shocking it is hard not to draw a comparison. A comparison with the Hong Kong Executive inviting troops to cross from the mainland in order to crush protesters calling for democracy.

In introducing this obscene bill Hilary Benn has exposed the true reason why Britain's MP's are so opposed to Leaving the EU at its most naked.

Britain's lawmakers are desperate to Remain in the EU for one simple reason. Membership of the EU helps them hide from voters the fact that they are simply not capable of doing the jobs for which they are so handsomely paid.

Since Britain became a member of the EU the process by which British laws are passed has been incredibly simple;

The EU Parliament suggests a law. The EU Council then adopts the law. This then becomes a British law under the European Communities Act of 1972.

This is an entirely automatic process in which British MP's have no involvement.

Once the law has been passed by the EU British MP's simply look up from filing their expenses claims to boast to voters about what they have 'achieved.' In the hope of being reappointed to the gravy train for another five years.

This is exactly what is happening with Benn's Bill.

British MP's have failed to convince voters that there is a need to Remain in the EU. They have failed to bring down the government. They have thankfully failed to block Britain Leaving the EU.

Aside from the recession they have failed to achieve anything at all.

So now they're relying entirely on the EU to once again do their jobs for them.





 
11:30 on 3/9/19 (UK date).