In the aftermath of the historic British vote to leave the EU, openDemocracy is asking for our readers' thoughts on Brexit and what needs to happen next in 350 words. We've had an extraordinary response and you can read them all here.
Looking back:
1. Poorly designed referendum, should have had minimum win threshold set at a level to require small supermajority (55% say so minimum 10% margin for major constitutional change) and turnout threshold (70% which would have been met is not unreasonable)
2. Cameron’s tactical change for last election of student voter registration came back to bite him (idiot).
3. TV Media focus on balance led to lack of critical scrutiny especially of Leave claims and particularly about what ‘Leave’ meant (EEA+, EEA, EEA-?)
4. Ineffective coordination between pro-Remain sections of political parties.
Looking now:
1. Astonishing absence of political leadership (except SNP) in immediate aftermath.
2. Will it happen? Who will trigger Art.50? Some reasons for doubt but, if not, likely there will be toxic political spillovers even if General Election or 2nd Referendum on terms of Brexit.
3. If it does happen, implications for UK constitution are huge. Much will hang on whether Scotland and NI can remain part of EU while also being part of EU.
4. Autumn/Spring General Election likely – this is what has driven PLP rebellion against Corbyn (not nonsense about Chilcott etc) but existential crisis for Labour Party – regrettably a split seems likely.
5. Into political vacuum, right wing populism grows, subterranean racism bubbles up into public light and lack of effective response by political parties (racists feel vindicated by outcome). Wear you safety pin with pride!
