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ODUMUNC 2021 Issue Brief House of Commons

Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of

Nathan Overton ODU Model Society

Introduction

The problems of Brexit are unlike anything the House of Commons has faced since it was created in the 14th Century. Evolving with the government and the needs of the over the past 6 centuries, Commons developed from offering advice to the King and court, to become the center of English Government. Today, under the leadership of the Conservative Prime Minister and his solid majority of Conservative Party Members of Parliament (MPs), Commons struggles to lead the from its withdrawal from the , which became official on 31 January 2020.

That day, the EU shrank from 28 to 27 Member States, and the UK restored the economic and social independence it gave when it joined in 1975. But the consequences of Brexit remain massive, poorly understood, controversial and unresolved. The UK’s relationship with the EU—its dominant trading partner—and major Brexit: The First Issue issues like control over ports, relations with other partners like the United States, and above Brexit, Britain’s withdrawal from the European all the delicate relationships between London, Union (EU), has been the overwhelming issue of Northern and , remain uncertain. British ever since it was discussed in a If mishandled, the process could leave the UK speech by then-Member of Parliament David isolated, impoverished, and smaller with the loss Cameron’s in 2013. No issue in modern politics of Scotland. Additionally, it could lead to the has divided the people of the United Kingdom resumption of armed conflict over the future of more sharply. It cast a dark shadow North Ireland. These are the challenges facing internationally, as the first successful initiative the Members of Parliament (MPs). of populist politics in a wave that has affected virtually every democracy around the world since.

Brexit, or ‘British Exit’, withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, has been a complicated process in attempting to secure the United Kingdom’s exit in a fair and

Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

favorable deal toward all parties involved. Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty starting the Whereas mention of the United Kingdom processes for the United Kingdom to leave the leaving the European Union brought about European Union which included,a two-year national attention at its time of announcement, it negotiation period ensured that the rights of EU was not until ’s successful citizens left in the United Kingdom would election as Prime Minister in 2015 that Brexit remain the same, and that enough time existed to became the overwhelming issue of the properly negotiate an exit from the European government. Reflecting long-standing Union. unhappiness within his ruling Conservative Party with EU membership, Cameron pressed an issue sure to attract controversy. Keeping his word to the people in an effort to deliver, Cameron and his Conservative Government quickly announced that a national referendum would be held a year later in 2016 to determine the public favorability toward leaving the European Union.

Despite the appearance of a peaceful transition period of two years, this transition period resulted in three different changes of Government, four different Brexit deals, three of which failed to gain majority support, and a time of political headache and uncertainty for all. After the activation of Article 50,

called for general snap elections in an attempt to How Brexit advocates saw the choice: either/or bolster the Conservative majority in Parliament to pass the upcoming Brexit deals. Unfortunately To the great surprise of many observers, the for May, Conservatives lost the majority in people of the United Kingdom voted in favor of Parliament and had to form a coalition leaving the European Union under a very slim Government with the Northern Irish Democratic majority, 51.9% to leave versus 48.1% to Unionist Party. With a parliamentary majority in remain. The vote revealed the sharp division and hand, Theresa May proceeded with initial EU foreshadowed the confusing, dramatic, and in negotiations in June of 2017, ultimately resulting times childish processes to come. in a deadlock between both sides. Unable to get the European Union to compromise and in an Prime Minister David Cameron, who approved effort to promote cooperation between both the referendum not because he supported it, but sides, Theresa May publicized the main issues of to mollify and silence his internal opponents, Brexit, many of which members of the European resigned as Prime Minister. The ruling Union agreed upon. Now under a moment of Conservatives replaced him with Theresa May cooperation, Theresa May and the European and a new Conservative Government that would Union each issued statements of agreement, lead the charge in delivering Britain's exit from leading to the creation of an official withdrawal the European Union. Theresa May activated agreement months later.

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

Although the news of an Brexit agreement Running hot off the heels of his resignation as between the United Kingdom and the European under Theresa May, Boris Union would bring joy to the hardline Brexiters Johnson became one of the leading candidates in in Parliament, overwhelming criticisms over the the race to replace Theresa May, eventually finite details of this arrangement led to calls for gaining enough support within the Conservative a new Government, a vote of no confidence, and Party to become Prime Minister. While under the resignation of several Members and the direction of Boris Johnson, Brexit Secretaries of Parliament. Undeterred by a vote negotiations shifted from that of finding a deal of no confidence in her own party and bolstered acceptable to all, to that of getting Brexit done. by the EU’s endorsement of the Withdrawal In an attempt to pass any Brexit deal while under agreement, Theresa May pushed forward with his administration, Boris Johnson shortened the introducing the agreement as a bill to be voted time allocated to Parliament to debate Brexit, a upon in Parliament. Unfortunately for Theresa move considered unconstitutional by some and and her Government, the original withdrawal dangerous by others. Despite Johnson’s promise agreement failed with an overwhelming majority to the people of the United Kingdom that Brexit of 432 Members of Parliament voting against the would be done before the agreed upon deadline proposed agreement, the largest defeat of a of the 31 October 2019, Johnson was forced by Prime Minister in history. Theresa May and her Parliament to send a letter asking the European Government would push forward twice more Union for an extension after losing the vote on with their attempts to settle a Brexit deal, both his deal in Parliament. times resulting in a failure to gain the support and consent of Parliament. On the heels of her Granted an extension by the European Union, third and final defeat in Parliament, Theresa the date that the United Kingdom would May resigned as Prime Minister citing her officially leave had been set for 31 January inability to gain Parliament’s favor, ultimately 2020. Under immense public pressure to see paving the way for new Conservative leadership Brexit through, Boris Johnson called for an to push the United Kingdom through the finish election to try and regain a Conservative line. majority in Parliament in an effort to pass an upcoming Brexit deal. Campaigning heavily under the promise to “,” Boris Johnson was able to gain his Conservative majority by flipping a number of Labour constituencies referred to as the “red wall.” These industrial constituencies though traditionally Labour, had been bought on the Conservative promises of Brexit to return financial growth and stability to their regions. Emboldened with his new majority, Boris Johnson pushed through Parliament with a new Brexit deal. Taking criticism from several Social distant House of Commons1

1 George Lythgoe, ‘South Cumbria MPs Simon https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/18720885.sout Fell and react to controversial Brexit h-cumbria-mps-simon-fell-tim-farron-react- bill in House of Commons’, The Mail, 15 controversial-brexit-bill-house-commons/ September 2020,

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

Members of Parliament as his new deal had been United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 that of Theresa May’s, but with the creation of a January 2020, and entered into a 2-year Customs Union to negate the issues of an “Irish transition period to negotiate next steps with the Backstop,” Boris Johnson was able to world. pass his Brexit deal in a historic 358 majority vote. With a deal now ratified by Parliament, the

Reasons to Leave constituencies, and opinions on why the United Kingdom should leave the European Union. Despite being a member of the European Union for 47 years, calls to leave the European Union Starting with the financial aspect of Brexit, as had been well present before David Cameron’s part of being a member of the European Union, speech in 2013. Stemming from a wide range of the United Kingdom had to agree to be in the issues each speaking to a niche voting base of European Union’s single market. The European the British Public, these issues had been placed Single Goods Market is an agreement between into three different categories: financial, member nations recognizing that international political, and social. These three categories borders and the tariffs and customs that exist represented a multitude of concerns, between them should no longer hinder trade. Essentially killing tariffs, customs checks, and

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

other fees associated with international trade, the Although economic concerns led to fierce debate European Single Goods Market was meant to be over Brexit, political concerns and issues a tool to bolster member nations economies, and followed suit as a close second. The idea that yet in the eyes of Pro-Brexiters, the opposite was there is no higher authority than Parliament has occurring. As other member nations gained the been a defining philosophy of British ability to freely trade with the United Kingdom, Governance, and the basis for the concept Pro-Brexiteers saw this influx of international referred to as “Parliamentary Sovereignty” since trade unfavorable and harmful to domestic the Glorious Revolution in the 17th Century. industry and interests. Many felt leaving the Ever since joining the European Communities European Union and its Single Goods Market (what would later become the European Union) would see a return to the rise of domestic in 1973, many have felt that the superiority of industry and economic growth. the European Union’s law making body to be a direct threat toward Parliament and the ideals outlined in Parliamentary Sovereignty. Exemplified further through Parliament’s imperative to adopt and implement the common laws of the European Union, Pro-Brexiters have felt that this imperative continuously violates National and Parliamentary Sovereignty.

Political tensions and distrust between the Boris Johnson’s famous 2016 Brexit campaign bus, United Kingdom and the European Union have with its emotionally compelling, and factual dubious slogan existed long before the calls of Brexit, however, they are best embodied through the several Pro-Brexiteers also felt that they had not migrant crises felt within the last two decades. personally seen the economic advantages Pro-Brexiteers have felt that the European promised to them under the guise of the Single Union’s unwillingness to place harsher Goods Market. With the economies of all restrictions on those migrating and immigrating member nations of the European Union being out of Eastern Europe and the Middle East have interconnected and under strict regulation, fears continued a streak of lax policy decisions. over economic damage and instability grew Stirred further into the public’s eye during the immensely due to the resulting 2008 financial Brexit campaign was Member of Parliament crash and the 2009 Eurozone crisis. Thanks to ’s continuation of anti-migrant these fears of economic uncertainty and the fliers, tweets, and other forms of social media general lack of control felt by the British outreach. Though the migrant aspect of Brexit Populace, financial reform became the received a majority of media attention during the centerpiece of the Brexit campaign, and a Brexit campaign, it is often regarded as one of rallying call for the Conservative Party. Despite the least contributing factors toward the public the worry over finances and the cost of Brexit favorability of Brexit. becoming the focal point for all political parties, the financial aspect of Brexit, be it the cost of Although it may seem that the debate around staying in the European Union, or leaving the Brexit has been that of financial and political, it European Union remained as the point of illuminates the social differences and contention and fierce debate. inequalities between the classes of the United Kingdom. In a poll conducted by Statista indicated that younger and more educated voted

5 ODUMUNC 2021 Issue Brief House of Commons

Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

Nathan Overton ODU Model United Nations Society

largely in favor to stay, in stark comparison to Inter-Party Turmoil older and less educated generations. Some experts have concluded that older generations Despite the Conservative Party’s “unified” were generations were likely more in favor to appearance of running a Pro-Brexit platform, vote to leave the European Union as they have tensions and disagreements within the inner experienced the United Kingdom before joining workings of the party often led to fierce debates the European Union in 1973. Further boiled and several changes of Government. At the heart down to political party comparisons, the of the Conservative party lies the political majority of younger and more educated voters differences between Members of Parliament tended to vote Labor and other parties based who wished for a “soft-Breixt,” and those who upon staying, whereas older and lesser educated wished for a “hard-Brexit.” A “soft-Brexit” voters tended to vote Conservative and other being that of an official split from the European parties based upon leaving. Though generational Union while staying within its Single Goods differences were one some of social issues at Market, and a “hard-Brexit” being that of a hand during the Brexit campaign, they were not complete and total withdrawal from the the only social matter relevant toward Brexit. European Union. It is these political differences between these two factions of the Conservative The availability of non-partisan and factual Party that agreements over negotiated Brexit information has always been a struggle for deals and the performance of the Conservative developed countries, especially those in periods majority led Government became a hotbed issue of political uncertainty. Claims that newspapers often resulting in the resignations of several such as , , The Daily Members of Parliament. Though the beginnings Telegraph, and a handful of others are of Conservative Members of Parliament purposefully eurosceptic had been present since resignations began with their own personal the United Kingdom joined the European Union decision to resign, these deciding issues can be in 1973, but had been further amplified during traced back to the beginnings of Brexit Brexit. These newspapers viewed by some as negotiations. “intentionally encouraging Brexit” became yet another debate at the dinner table furthering the Ever since David Cameron’s announcement that generational and societal divide, and even led to the finite handlings of Brexit would be placed in the creation of the pro-european newspaper: The the hands of his predecessor back in 2015, . The war for or against Brexit races to replace both David Cameron and his was waged both between Members of eventual successor Theresa May after her Parliament and in the households of their failures to obtain an “acceptable” deal have constituents, but it represented larger issues than proven to the British public to be nothing short “Parliamentary Sovereignty,” “vulnerabilities of of a political fiasco. Starting with the race to domestic trade,” or “over-politicized replace David Cameron after his newspapers.” To the people of the United Kingdom and to the world, this war represented addressing change. ODUMUNC 2021 Issue Brief House of Commons

Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

Nathan Overton ODU Model United Nations Society

resignation as Prime Minister, Conservative Despite the Majority’s initial confidence in Party Leaders had pegged Boris Johnson as one Theresa May’s ability to lead the United of the potential candidates, but had felt his Kingdom through Brexit, stark periods of unpredictability and rash behavior would cost infighting within her cabinet and the the party a majority in the next election. The Conservative party during 2016 Conservative Party Leadership Race would prove otherwise to Conservative initially appeared to be a showdown between all Leadership and to the British Public. sides of the Conservative Party and yet in a surprise toward all, resulted in the resignations.

Though infighting and resignation of cabinet gained traction and the confidence of the Party secretaries soon became commonplace within after her successful election in the 2016 the Conservative run Government, the same Conservative Party Leadership Race. Although became on the other side of the aisle within the her resignation would not come for another 3 Labour-led Opposition. Officially, the Labour years, the beginnings of her decision to step Party’s position on Brexit was that of staying in down can be traced back to her first attempts to the European Union. A position many sought negotiate a withdrawal agreement from the natural for the opposition party, but a position European Union. Despite initial majority support that felt its share fair of political turmoil. from backbench Conservatives, Theresa May’s Controversies within Labour Leadership and original attempts in negotiating a deal with the claims of anti-Semitism directed toward Labour European Union would see that support quickly Leader soon shifted the spotlight diminish. Caught in between a hailstorm of off of Labour efforts in delaying Brexit, appeasement in trying to gain the support of resulting in the resignation of several members Hard-Brexiteers and Soft-Brexiteers alike, of his cabinet. Criticisms began to run rampant Theresa May managed to alienate both sides of within the Labour party, some of which felt that the Conservative party and brought about a vote not enough was being done to address the of no confidence. Managing to pass the first vote party’s history of anti-Semitism, with a majority of no confidence, Theresa May soon found feeling that not enough is being done to keep the herself in the midst of a second vote of no United Kingdom in the European Union. Adding confidence, this time in the presence of fuel to the fire, the Labour Party proceeded with Parliament. a vote of no confidence in Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, a vote which he narrowly passed, Narrowly surviving the second vote of no furthering the divide within the Labor Party. confidence with 19 votes in favor of her Government, Theresa May quickly realized she no longer had the support in Parliament to be Resignation of Theresa May able to pass a Brexit deal. In an effort to regain the ability to pass a Brexit deal, Theresa May

called for elections to try and regain the Theresa May’s Government hit deadlocks and Conservative majority. Unfortunately for May, political landmines just as quickly as it had she would lose that majority and would be

Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

forced to form a with Hard pressed to see Brexit through, Theresa assistance from the Democratic Unionist Party. May pushed forward in her attempts at After her failure to gain the confidence of her Union, Boris Johnson became known as an first Brexit deal, Theresa May tried twice more, unconventional man with a habit of uttering out unfortunately resulting in failures to gain politically incentive remarks, which he would Parliaments confidence. Hot off the heels of her later claim had been taken out of context. Boris third failure, Theresa May resigned from her Johnson’s political career officially began in Premiership, stating her frustrations in not being 2008 in which he ran for the , a able to reach an acceptable deal with Parliament. position that he would hold until 2016. Boris Johnson became known in the public spotlight The resignation of Theresa May highlighted the for his popular appeal, his ferocity, and the often difficulties and frustrations felt by both outlandish quotes he would spout out on the Members of Parliament and the general public campaign trail. Due to his popularity and public they represented. The inability of Theresa May’s appeal, he obtained the position as Foreign Premiership to pass an acceptable Brexit deal in Secretary under the Theresa May Premiership. Parliament signaled to some that the Government of the United Kingdom might not Though quite sure his chances at one day be ready or able to handle the challenges of gaining the Premiership were as likely as him governing outside of the European Union. Citing being “reincarnated as an olive,” those chances the key failures and political mockeries made grew immensely after his resignation from the within Parliament, mainly Theresa May’s Theresa May Cabinet over her Brexit plans, and historic worst parliamentary defeat in British especially after Theresa May’s resignation from history, Conservative leadership and the general the Premiership. public felt that a new, bolder, and greater envisioned leader needed to take the mantle to get Brexit done. Thusly began the race to replace Theresa May, and the race to set the United Kingdom back on its feet.

The Rise of Boris Johnson

Considered by some as a political clown who would not amount to anything greater than a spot on the local council, Boris Johnson’s rise to Prime Minister Johnson tries his best in the Common, September 2020.2 Premiership proved to all that unconventional politics has the ability to alter the course of a Slated not only as the public favorite, but viewed nation. Not your typical politician, Boris as the only person capable of uniting the Johnson started his political career in political Conservative Party and the people of the United journalism as a for The Daily Kingdom to get behind a Brexit deal, Boris Telegraph. Ironically writing pieces on making Johnson soon rose to the Premiership. Quoted as the case for both staying and leaving. European he would rather “die three times over” than ask

2 ‘Brexit: House of Commons continues debate https://newsx.tv/2020/09/15/brexit-house-of- on the controversial Internal Market Bill | LIVE’, commons-continues-debate-on-the- NewsxTV, 15 September 2020, controversial-internal-market-bill-live/

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

the European Union for an extension on getting Kingdom would be stuck in a loop of Brexit a Brexit deal, Boris Johnson’s Premiership and negotiations unable to find an acceptable his message became quite abundantly clear: compromise. The processes and challenges “Get Brexit Done.” The change in governance faced by Theresa May’s three failed deals stands from that of Theresa May to Boris Johnson as a example on what cannot occur signaled toward the British populace that enough without the consent of Parliament. Each of these time had been spent on feeble attempts to pass a three deals negotiated under Theresa May deal, and that action can and would be taken exhibits a multitude of different concerns held now. Championing and campaigning toward by Parliament and the constituencies they serve. those tired of nothing coming out of Parliament, Starting with the failures of Theresa May’s Boris Johnson was able to blow past original Brexit deal, fears that the Irish Parliamentary standstills and gained a Backstop, that being the creation of a hard Conservative Majority in Parliament through border between and the flipping a number of Labor industrial , would prohibit easy and constituencies who had not seen the economic necessary trade soon grew from quiet whispers growth promised to them under Labor to frustrated shouts. Continued with Hard- leadership. Brexiteers feeling her deal left the United Kingdom “too closely intertwined,” it became Despite being forced by Parliament to ask for an clear that without the support of Hard- extension in Brexit negotiations, Boris Johnson Brexiteering back-benchers, that no deal would with the aid of his Conservative Majority finally pass. presented Parliament with a deal capable of being passed. With a 358-234 vote, a 124 vote Though appeasing the Hard-Brexiteering majority in favor of Boris’s Brexit deal, the seemed like an ample compromise to be able to United Kingdom was slated to leave the get Brexit done and through, Theresa May European Union on 31 January 2020 and would risked alienating those who supported her remain in a two year transitional period to figure original deal with some intertwinement with the out how the United Kingdom would function European Union. Her unpopularity continued apart from the European Union. Boris Johnson’s with her next set of deals, each one more Premiership signaled many key differences and infuriating than the last. Issues arisen with legal changes within how Government should rights of both EU citizens in the United function, and how it can be impacted through Kingdom, and United Kingdom citizens in the unconventional means. The rise of Boris EU, to issues with fishing rights and other trade Johnson from journalist to Prime Minister of the agreements made it clear that a new approach United Kingdom serves as a testament toward would have to be taken to lead the nation out of the role of the media, and how unconventional the European Union. Despite her best attempts, methods can result in unforeseen successes. The Theresa May realized that she would never be same can be said for the deal he was able to able to push her Brexit deals through and left it broker between the United Kingdom and the as the priority of the next Prime Minister with European Union, leading many wondering how her resignation. the fate of the nation will be altered.

Deal or No Deal?

While under the Premiership and Governance of Theresa May, many feared that the United

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

United Kingdom has long since been founded on a history of broken promises and exploitation. As the United Kingdom is split between a wide range of Kingdoms from to Scotland, , and Northern Ireland, so have these Kingdoms been split on the issue of Brexit. With the Kingdoms of Scotland and Northern Ireland voting in majority to stay in the European Union during the 2016 Referendum in

Rough day: Prime Minister Theresa May Resigns as stark contrast to the majority vote to leave in the premier on 7 June 2019 Kingdoms of , evidence suggesting Brexit to be a regional phenomenon Brexit deals negotiated under the Premiership of and only regionally beneficial have never been Boris Johnson signaled a clear and apparent more apparent. Taking a closer look at the change to Members of Parliament and the agendas and political published by British Populace, that getting Brexit done no the , , the matter the cost was the priority. Emboldened Social Democrat and Labour Party, and finally with the public’s feelings of anger of inaction, the Alliance Party, reunification, independence, the negotiating process under Boris Johnson and the immediate reversal of Brexit, have taken switched from that of finding an acceptable precedence in and lie within direct opposition of compromise for all, to utilizing political the wishes of the United Kingdom and her statecraft and other loopholes to force a deal Government. through. Bearing striking resemblances toward the deals negotiated under Theresa May’s The call to disband or to leave the United Premiership, Boris Johnson took advantage of Kingdom has been present since its creation in the political chaos left in the wake of the 1922. More recently exhibited through previous general election. Playing upon Scotland’s Independence Referendum of 2014, unknowing advantages given to him by Labor and definitely exacerbated in the political inaction and infighting, Boris Johnson gained campaigning of post-Brexit United Kingdom, the ability to push a Brexit deal through before the threat of a potential breakup of the British the opposition could react. Although the long- Union could spell disastrous for the people of term impacts of his deal have yet to be seen, the United Kingdom if not mitigated delicately. many are left wondering how the nation might Though causes of the call for independence and look in the coming years. separation vary from attempts to increase farming subsidies, concerns about defense Brexit: A threat to the Union? spending, and more recently the handlings of Brexit, something has to be said that several Although Brexit deals with the United members of the United Kingdom would rather Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European pursue these tasks alone than leave it to the Union, both the trials and tribulations of Brexit House of Commons. and other political motivations have led to members of the United Kingdom to consider What now? leaving the British Union. Historically the United Kingdom since the passage of the Acts of Having left the European Union in January Union in 1707, again in 1800, and with the 2020, the United Kingdom has been in a two creation of the Irish free state in 1922, the year transitional period that shall last until the 31

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

January 2022. Now that Brexit has been done Continuing toward issues of Security, with and dusted, much is left toward Parliament to leaving the European Union, the United figure out solutions with Brexit’s seen and Kingdom has removed itself from several data unforeseen consequences. Mainly with issues of sharing and other official security agreements. trade and the , to issues of Making the jobs of law enforcement harder as security, law enforcement, further regulations, with these agreements comes access to and finally toward issues of rights of both UK important databases and other crucial security and EU citizens, a lot has been left unresolved infrastructure, much attention is needed to and in desperate need of a solution. ensure the safety and wellbeing of the nation and its inhabitants. Though contributions toward and participation within NATO and other military organizations exist on a per-country basis, fears that the United Kingdom shall withdraw from these organizations have been present since Brexit began.

Finalizing with other legal issues and social matters such as the rights and protections given to European Union Citizens living in the United Kingdom and vice versa, attention is needed toward ensuring or reforming these rights and protections. Although the English Bill of Rights Don’t forget the other 48.1 percent outlines the rights and protections afforded to English citizens, a decision must be made if Starting with issues of trade and the Irish these rights and protections should be given to Backstop, much has been left undecided with the European Union citizens as well. With issues of United Kingdom’s exit from the European the rights and protections of European Union Union’s Single Goods Market. As the United Citizens arises issues with citizenship Kingdom is no longer a member, new trade agreements and travel restrictions. Should the deals shall need to be negotiated between the decision be made to afford these agreements, European Union, the United States, and several rights, and protections to European Union other foreign countries in an effort to recuperate Citizens, much to do exists in the necessity for a the financial loss. Moving on to the issue of the legal framework. Irish Backstop, a creative solution is needed to prevent the emergence of a “hard-border” and Previous Bills the problems with trade and the flow of goods arisen with the onset of a “hard-border.” Though - Withdrawal Agreement and Political the United Kingdom voted to not adopt the , Declaration 3 worries about the stability of the in the atmosphere of the Post-Brexit United The new Withdrawal Agreement sets out the Kingdom have started to become a pressing terms of the UK’s exit from the European Union issue on global stock markets. and European Atomic Energy Community, with

3 Department for Exiting the European Union, the European Union, October 19, 2019), “New Withdrawal Agreement and Political http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new- Declaration,” GOV.UK (Department for Exiting withdrawal-agreement-and-political-declaration

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol to The Charter of Fundamental Rights brings remove the so-called backstop and replace it together all the personal, civic, political, with arrangements that meet the Government’s economic and social rights enjoyed by people objectives. The new Political Declaration sets within the EU in a single text. It covers all the out the framework for the future relationship rights found in the case law of the Court of between the European Union and the United Justice of the EU, the rights and freedoms Kingdom and reflects the Government’s enshrined in the European Convention on ambition to conclude an ambitious, broad, deep Human Rights, and other rights and principles and flexible partnership across trade and resulting from the common constitutional economic cooperation with the EU, with a free traditions of EU countries and other trade agreement with the EU at its core, international instruments alongside agreements on security and other areas of cooperation.

- EU Withdrawal Bill 4 Party Positions

A Bill to implement, and make other provision ● Conservative Party: Arguably one of in connection with, the agreement between the the most vocal, if not the most vocal United Kingdom and the EU under Article 50(2) about “getting Brexit done,” the of the Treaty on European Union which sets out Conservative party lies at the forefront the arrangements for the United Kingdom’s of the Brexit movement and in control withdrawal from the EU. of the current Government. Despite the best efforts of opposition parties, the - Treaty on the Functioning of the Conservative party through several European Union 5 administrations has managed to see Brexit through, and intends to forge the One of the two main treaties forming the basis of United Kingdom on a path of European Union Law. Originally the Lisbon controlling , securing Treaty but with significant alterations, the Treaty stronger funding for the NHS, growing on the Functioning of the European Union sets the economy, and managing the debt out the organizational and functional details of deficit. the European Union. ● Labour Party: Forming the primary - EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 6 opposition to the Conservative party, the Labour party attempted time and time again to cede all Conservative progress

4 , “The EU-UK European Union law (EUR-Lex, 6 July 2016), Withdrawal Agreement,” European Commission https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- (European Commission, 22 July 2020), content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A12016E018 https://ec.europa.eu/info/european-union-and- 6 EUR-Lex, “Charter of Fundamental Rights of united-kingdom-forging-new-partnership/eu-uk- the European Union,” Lex access to European withdrawal-agreement_en Law (EUR-Lex, 26 October 2012), https://eur- 5 EUR-Lex, “Consolidated Version of the Treaty lex.europa.eu/legal- on the Functioning of the European Union PART content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A12012P%2FT TWO - NON-DISCRIMINATION AND XT CITIZENSHIP OF THE UNION,” Lex Access to

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

toward Brexit. Until its leadership income, and transforming the NHS’s scandal with Jeremy mental health services. Corbyn and increasing public outcry for action, the Labour Party held its ground ● Democratic Unionist Party: Evolving as the “anti-Brexit” party. Flipping its from the Protestant Union Party as the role to that of getting a more favorable very pro-Britain party out of Northern Brexit deal after a sea of public outcry, Ireland, the DUP has received a lot of the Labour Party is now concerned with attention during the Brexit campaign as rebuilding public infrastructure, tackling a very Eurosceptic and Right-winged the war on , pursuing a green party. Fixating heavily on securing industrial revolution, and strengthening future investments for Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom’s international ties advocating for increased infrastructure through increased diplomacy. to benefit all the United Kingdom, and committed in their pursuit to ensure no ● Scottish National Party: Serving as disconnect between the markets of another opposition party toward Brexit, Britain and Northern Ireland. the Scottish National Party is the largest of two parties forming the Scottish ● Plaid Cymru Party: Representing the Government. Campaigning on the people of Wales in the House of principles of remaining in the European Commons, the Plaid Cymru Party exists Union, reversing the budget cuts enacted as yet another opposition party toward to the by the Brexit. Heavily campaigning for a House of Commons, and putting people’s vote on leaving the European Scotland first. With the aftermath of Union rather than leaving it up to Brexit upon the SNP, the SNP is now Parliament to decide, the Plaid Cymru worried about protecting the party has focused on remaining a part of environment, aiding the NHS, assisting the European Union. Under the advent with the increasing cost of living in the of the post-Brexit Johnson United Kingdom, and winning a fair Administration and following in the retirement deal for pensioners. footsteps of Ireland, the Plaid Cymru party now wishes to seek independence ● Liberal Democrats Party: An anti- from the United Kingdom and seeks to Brexit party at heart, the Liberal address all corresponding governmental Democrats Party have been increasingly issues related to seeking independence. vocal on how leaving the European Union would be damaging to the people ● Social Democrat and Labour Party: of the United Kingdom. Sitting as one of Forming the anti-Brexit party of the minority parties in the latest session Northern Ireland, the Social Democrat of the House of Commons, the Liberal and Labour Party or the SDLP, has long Democrats primarily concentrate on since stood for Irish nationalism and tackling the climate emergency, reunification. Despite being reforming and providing the United overshadowed in both Northern Ireland Kingdom’s schools with better teachers, and in Parliament by the Democratic building a fairer economy with free Unionist Party, the SDLP has bold temporary childcare and a universal visions of widespread educational reform, advocates for regionally based

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

infrastructure plans and improvements, often controversial and incorrect reforming the NHS for better quality comments on immigration. Established care, and reuniting Ireland. as a British Nationalist party, UKIP has been primarily concerned with ● Alliance Party: Significantly smaller expanding its base of rightwing than its other Northern Ireland and . counterparts, the Alliance party served Although its rather controversial and as a Pro-European, centrally left, small holdings in Parliament run political party out of Northern Ireland disadvantageous toward UKIP’s goals, focused on stopping Brexit. With only the United Kingdom Independent Party one seat in the House of Commons, the endeavors with visions of taming Alliance party has bold visions of political correctness’s effect on free restoring the power of the Northern Irish speech, overhauling the NHS’s funding Parliament which has been closed since and policies, cracking down on mass 2017, addressing the climate immigration, and ensuring ’s youth emergency,, and enacting economic are self-sufficient in schooling. change to protect the United Kingdom from the harm Brexit has caused. Constitutional Roles

● Green Party: The smallest party to ● Prime Minister: The current leader of represent both England and Wales in the Her Majesty’s Government. One of the House of Commons, the Green Party of two Heads of State, the Prime Minister England and Wales or the GPEW, seeks possesses the unique ability to appoint to adhere to its core values of members of Government, oversee the environmentalism and center left functions of the Civil Service and other economic reform. Avidly anti-Brexit, Governmental organizations, and be the the GPEW heavily lobbied its base to try leading figurehead in the House of and lower the voting age to 16 in an Commons. The Prime Minister has a effort to increase the vote to remain. duty to represent Her Majesty’s Despite only holding a single seat in the Government in a fair and transparent House of Commons, the GPEW manner, and as such is required to take envisions the United Kingdom’s future questions from and stay transparent with as one with increased corporate taxes, a all Members of Parliament, including heavier stance on protecting the the opposition. The current Prime environment, increasing European Minister is the Rt Ho. Boris Johnson cooperation and integration, and placing MP. more power in the hands of those they represent. ● The Opposition Leader: As the Prime Minister is the leader of the party that ● Independent Party: The smallest and wins the most amount of votes in the only minority party with a single general election, the Opposition Leader Member of Parliament currently in is the Leader of the Party that received power in favor of Brexit, the United the second most amount of votes. Kingdom Independent Party or UKIP Commended with a bonus salary for bore a significant bout of media scrutiny being a part of the opposition, the and attention with the advent of their Opposition Leader is tasked with

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

forming a “” to oversee House of Commons. Serving as the the functions of the current Government. Crown’s representative in Parliament as The current Opposition Leader is the a Senior Government Official and Labor MP, Rt Hon Sir . voting only in the case of a tie, the Speaker of the House of Commons is ● Speaker of the House of Commons: still able to represent the constituency in Required to be non- partisan and to which they originated from. Following renounce previous political affiliations, the retirement of longstanding Speaker the Speaker of the House of Commons of the House and a is tasked with one of the most unique unanimous election, the current Speaker roles in British Parliament. Presiding of the House is the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay over the flow of debate, which members Hoyle MP. are allowed to speak, and what amendments may be brought before the committee, the Speaker of the House of Proposals for Action Commons serves a role crucial to the Solutions geared towards eliminating ● Encourage the Government to seek the effects of a “hard-border” may be new trade partnerships: With the obtaining a free trade agreement. advent of the United Kingdom leaving Removing tariffs and other customs the European Union’s Single Goods associated with international trade have Market, much has been left to the potential to reduce all if not a Parliament to fill this new financial gap majority of the concerns surrounding the and trade deficit. Whether it be the creation of a hard border between negotiations of new trade agreements Ireland and Northern Ireland. between the United Kingdom and the European Union or other foreign ● Advise the Government to create new partners it is apparent that action must security partnerships with the EU: be taken soon. With the end of the transitional period marking the end of database access and ● Invest in the technologies of the 21st sharing for agencies like , Century to offset the effects of the further pieces of legislation could Irish Backstop: Innovative Customs strengthen the bond between the United protections technologies such as Kingdom and the European Union. automated license plate readers can clear products bound for the border before ● Inform the Government of the they leave the warehouse. Similar to the necessity to reaffirm and solidify technologies utilized on the border rights of EU Citizens: Without the between Norway and Sweden, 21st existence of an agreement between the century technology such as advanced European Union and the United cameras can be used to alleviate any Kingdom the rights and protections of pressure on a “hard-border.” the citizens of both the United Kingdom and the European Union lay at risk. ● Seek out a free trade agreement Potentially risking the deportation of the between the United Kingdom and the citizens caught in the political crossfire, European Union: One of the many the hit to the economy is enough of a

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Dealing with Political Uncertainty in the Aftermath of Brexit

warning what a lack of an agreement might look like. ● Hold a second referendum: Feelings of political abandonment and general ● Require the Government to rejoin the sentiments of distrust for the European Union: Despite the United Government has left significant Kingdom having already left the proportions of several constituencies European Union back in January of across the Union disenfranchised from 2020, heavy opposition towards Brexit those in power. A Second Referendum and strong sentiments towards the on how the Government should proceed European Union exist. Perhaps a next might alleviate those feelings, and renegotiated membership addendum can put the Government back in touch with be created with the European Union to the people it represents. relieve the concerns of even the hardest Pro-Brexiteer.

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