Britain and Brexit: In June 2016, the British electorate voted to leave the European Union (EU) in what became known as ‘Brexit,’ meaning ‘British exit’ from the EU. Yet, after 3 years, the UK still had not left and at times Brexit was even in doubt. Then came Boris Johnson, replacing Theresa May as Prime Minister in July 2019. Having only a majority of one, Johnson faced guerrilla warfare in the Parliament over Brexit. Not only were the opposition parties ‘Brexit-blocking’ Remainers, but even some members of his own Conservative party undermined him, too. This includes the former Speaker of the House, who is meant to be impartial. Some ‘Remainers’ were clambering for a second referendum, since they were unhappy with the results the first one in 2016.
The stalemate came to breaking point and an impasse. Painted in a corner, the only way out for Boris was a national poll, which was held on December 12, 2019. He even had to wrestle with Remainers to get that. The British were asked to return to the ballot box for a third time in 4 1/2 years, even though the normal UK election cycle is every 5 years. It was winter and right before Christmas – far from ideal timing.
What a difference an election makes! Pundits and experts predicted a ‘hung parliament’ and even a coalition between far-left (even Marxist, left of Bernie Sanders) Labour and the secessionist Scottish National Party. Yet when the results came in, Boris Johnson and his party received a landslide.
Using the winning slogan ‘Get Brexit Done,’ Boris Johnson now has a 78 member majority and a mandate. Without realising it, the UK Election of 2019 was the de facto ‘second referendum’ and the electorate confirmed their desire to ‘get Brexit done.’
What’s next? Brexit occurred on 31 January 2020. At the stroke of 11 PM, Britain’s departure meant the EU lost 13% of its total GDP, 12% of its population, 10% of its income, and its biggest city – London. Note: It is receiving a GBP 39 billion pound divorce settlement from the UK.
For the next 11 months there will be a transitional period with all the EU rules in place while Britain negotiates a free trade, security, and movement of people agreements. The Johnson government may also concurrently negotiate trade agreements with the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Trade agreements take time but the Johnson government is adamant that they will have one with the EU by the end of 2020.
Brexit gives Britain a chance to fully reconnect with ‘the family,’ meaning the Commonwealth of Nations. These countries have felt rightly neglected by Britain’s years tied to the EU. Whereas these nations have stood with the mother country through thick and thin (two world wars, for starters). Already the UK is allowing Australians and other nationalities to go through the UK fast track lines at Heathrow, just as EU citizens have done for years.
In any case, Johnson is showing exceptional energy in delivering to voters, especially those who abandoned the Labour Party, that he is working for them all.
Meghan & Harry Drop Out
As Britain did the countdown to Brexit, a bombshell happened within the royal family. The Queen, Charles, and William, apparently learned from the media that Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced they were stepping back as senior royals to pursue more quiet private living and financial independence.
The Queen, age 93, already dealing with the fallout of Prince Andrew’s friendship with convicted, deceased American pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, now had to contend with this as well, and it appeared to be unexpected. People were indignant that HM learned of this event from public sources, rather than directly from Harry. While many thought the Duchess was totally behind the move, those close to the couple say that Harry was unhappy with his lot for a long time, even since the pre-Meghan days.
So before Britain had ‘Brexit,’ it had an unplanned ‘Megxit.’
After the Sandringham Summit, it was agreed to release Harry (was there any choice? Chain the couple to the gates of Buckingham Palace?). They were free to move to Canada and pursue financial independence. Yet they could no longer use their HRH titles or represent the Queen and Commonwealth.
We wish the Duke, Duchess and baby Archie well. This event highlights how much the monarchy matters in Britain, the Commonwealth, and the world. Even the Americans, who broke away from the crown 243 years ago, are fascinated and following the drama. After a ‘bumpy year’ in 2019, with the January 2020 Megxit, we pray that Her Majesty will have smoother sailing for some time to come.
2020 What Lies Ahead? A long American campaign, elections in Israel, monitoring the coronavirus, and being ever-ready through prayer.
