Andrew Cook: Crisis calls for a pause in party politics

It is said that history repeats itself, first as tragedy and then as farce. The EU referendum, and subsequent events, give further credence to this adage.
Boris Johnson is the architect of the political turmoil.Boris Johnson is the architect of the political turmoil.
Boris Johnson is the architect of the political turmoil.

It is easy to be wise after the event, but why were people of political power and influence not wise before the event?

Why was an issue with such deep and wide-ranging implications put to the electorate without any guidance as to what would happen afterwards?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If the outcome was to be considered only advisory, as many are now saying, then why was the electorate not told this in advance?

If it was intended to be mandatory and irreversible, then why was it to be decided on a simple majority, rather than the much greater margin required for major popular decisions in other democracies?

In Germany and the USA, for example, such an issue would require a two-thirds majority.

In Switzerland, where the referendum is the principal element of political decision-making, a constitutional issue such as this would require for its passage the majority approval not only of the electorate but also of the regional Cantons.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There is no direct equivalent to this in Britain; I suggest the closest would be the endorsement of both Houses of Parliament.

And why was the electorate not told the steps that would be taken following its decision, along the lines of “If ‘Leave’ wins, this will happen, and if ‘Remain’ wins, that will happen”?

Probably, because this had not been thought through properly, if at all.

What we have now is an unholy mess more redolent of a metaphorical banana republic than a great and historic country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Britain has an enviable heritage of political stability and economic prosperity. We command worldwide respect and admiration.

Are we now to squander this in an extended round of petty and self-interested squabbling among politicians?

The main architect of this disaster, Boris Johnson, has viewed the wreckage he caused, looked around furtively, and scarpered.

Michael Gove, his one-time co-conspirator, has proved by his recent conduct that he cannot be trusted. Their behaviour has been shameful. But there are many of similar inadequacy in potential positions of power.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We already have a risible Leader of the Opposition and, with the distinct exception of Theresa May, the candidates to take over as leader of the Conservative Party hardly inspire confidence. Can anyone truly have confidence in Andrea Leadsom having her finger on the nuclear button?

Does anyone really believe Stephen Crabb would know what to do in the event of another financial meltdown, something which his and his colleagues’ very candidature makes more than possible?

I suggest that none has the calibre, judgment and experience to be the British Prime Minister. What are their principles and political philosophies? Their opinions seem to flip-flop in accordance with their political weathervanes.

They seem concerned only for themselves. In common with many others in Parliament, they are, frankly, not up to the job.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I believe the only hope of restoring common sense and stability is for some “grand alliance of the centre”. Maybe not a formal one, but at least an informal but declared unity of purpose among those Members of Parliament, who I believe to be in the great majority, who share my horror at the disintegration unfolding before our very eyes.

This may not be 1939 all over again, when the country faced annihilation but it is certainly akin to 1931, when a national government was formed to address a great political and economic crisis.

The country is in danger, not from an external enemy but from the consequences of its own ill-informed and ill-considered actions.

It needs someone with courage, experience, goodwill, sound judgment and a sense of duty to the nation to address and overcome it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I call upon our politicians to pause, consider, cast aside personal and party interests and, for once, put their country first.

Andrew Cook is chairman of Yorkshire firm William Cook Holdings Ltd and treasurer of Conservatives IN.