BY ERIC KING
Jean Claude Juncker, the president of the European Union, has told David Cameron that he can’t cherry pick the conditions of exit from the EU.
He said anyone wanting access to the EU market must adhere to criteria without exception. ”There could be no negotiation without notification”, he added. German Chancellor, Angela Merkell, also reiterated that there can be no formal or informal talks will begin until Britain activates Article 50 to commence the formal process of leaving the EU. David Cameron yesterday attended the European summit where he tried in vain to negotiate the freedom of movement, so that Britain can still be part of the single market. EU leaders want Britain to activate Article 50 now so that they can kick Britain out of the EU officially before any talks can begin. Early indications seem to be that free trade can be negotiated once we leave, but not the freedom of movement. Any such compromise would set a bad precedent for other EU member states who may well expect the same treatment if they decide to leave. EU leaders are not stupid, they want Britain to formalize the referendum first, and to do so sooner rather than later. David Cameron has already said that the activation of Article 51 will be done by his successor, around November.
David Cameron flew back to London on Tuesday night, whilst EU leaders will meet again to discuss the unity of the remaining existing member states. Article 50 has never been tested, as Britain is the first member state to leave the EU.
Belgium’s prime minister, Charles Michel, said there was “a perception of technocracy” that must be dispelled. “We have to show Europe brings a real added value that can be felt by our fellow citizens,” he said. Xavier Bettel, his counterpart from Luxembourg, said that “with a disunited United Kingdom, we need a united Europe more than ever”.
Meanwhile, Scottish prime minister, Nicola Sturgeon, met with European parliament president, Martin Sculz in Brussels, to emphasize her determination to keep Scotland in the EU. She stated :
“Scotland is determined to stay in the EU,” before adding: “I don’t underestimate the challenges that lie ahead for us in seeking to find a path.” In the meantime, British politics is in shambles, as spite and bitterness seems to have taken a hold on both the Conservative and Labour party. A no vote of confidence has taken place against Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of Brexit, but the stubborn figure head won’t go quietly and accept that his leadership influence is very weak right now. Then we have the heated and somewhat malicious battle for the prime minister’s job in the Conservative party. These are still early days since the Brexit decision voted by the British public. It will take a while before we find out the full implications of leaving the EU. The words that Britain can’t cherry pick the conditions for exit, will be on Cameron’s mind for a long while. It is worth noting that the EU referendum is not legally binding, and can be revoked by an Act of Parliament. Cameron has said that Parliament must respect the decision of the British people, though that can all theoretically change overnight at the discretion of parliament.
As things stand, Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson are happy with the result, Cameron is having some sleepless nights, and those who voted Brexit all over the country are happy and can’t wait for the divorce process from the EU to commence. Amid all this is the fact that up until now there are still many who don’t really understand the ins and outs of the EU referendum they voted for. All they knew was the limited information as to why they wanted to stay or leave. Britain now needs to stop chasing futile negotiations and either activate Article 51 sooner rather than later, or backtrack on the referendum. Cameron has been smart to leave it to the next prime minister to do since this is not the direction he wanted to see the country go. However, nothing stops him doing it now, except the wisdom to allow more time for some sober judgment in the light of ongoing developments. Britain wants access to the single market market whilst controlling the freedom of movement. It won’t happen. Britain can’t cherry pick the conditions of exit from the EU, Cameron needs to get that clear. He either accepts that, or debate in Parliament the petition for a second referendum and go back on his word, or refuse to honour the results of the EU referendum. His options are clear.