I always find it interesting that some of the people I know that were sure that Brexit would be a lot harder than Boris and Nigel suggested seem to be pro-independence.
The EU represented 40 years of ties in legislation and governance, while the union of the UK represents a much closer set of ties for over 300 years.
Part of this, I think, is similar to the issues we see with the current US election – people decide what to believe based on feeling rather than fact. But I also question whether it is about a rejection of democracy. People want to be ruled by the people they support, so in order to make them a majority break away from people that don’t agree.
And if you think there is an “oven ready” independence deal under “WTO terms” just think about:
- New passports needed
- New driving licences needed (and maybe also a driving test)
- New number plates needed
- Pensions held in another country
- Green card needed for car insurance to drive in to England
- New National Insurance numbers
And if you think that is unrealistic and some sort of deal will be made – just think about the deal we don’t have with Europe.
I refuse to accept division as an answer, either with Europe or within the UK. We need to find a way to work together that allows us to feel represented. Iron fisted domination breeds division (we see this in the USA). We need leadership that respects the views of all the people, not just the views of their supporters.