Another Day in Europe

I don’t understand.  I really don’t understand but somehow or another the major vote for approval of “the deal” in Parliament has been delayed yet again due to something called the Letwin agreement put through as an amendment this afternoon.  I am confused by how that got set up, but I’m pleased it was.  While a few exasperated sighs went up around the country remainers have by yet another thin thread managed more time to protest against the withdrawal agreement.

And when I say thin it really depends on whether an extension is granted by the EU which the PM now has to request by 11pm tonight.  Johnson is still proclaiming he’ll ask for another vote on Monday and that may pass.  Which means another couple of days of uncertainty and feeling fraught.

I understand that even some remainers are feeling frustrated but while there is any chance there is hope and where there is hope then our country has still got an opportunity to make this right.

The protest marches looked immense on TV.  I bet the atmosphere was brilliant.  It sends a clear message to the EU that so many people want to be part of the EU and the rest of Europe.  This is all about unity and the rights of citizens that have taken so many years to build.  We take it for granted but freedom of movement is one of the greatest achievements.  It stretches over a continent and 26 countries that had been ravaged by war constantly throughout history.   Yes it complex and no it doesn’t always get everything right but it doesn’t mean that it can’t change.  It’s not just sat there like a lump.  It’s a constantly evolving parliament, just like our own but on a much bigger and complicated scale.

Who knows what will come after tonight.  At least I can sleep a little easier knowing there is still a chance to turn this around.

And while I don’t understand everything that is happening.  I do trust the people that are working towards changing this position the country finds itself in.  I trust them more than those that are so adamant that we should leave the EU.  Their motivations sound great, they say all the things that leavers want to heat but it’s too thinly veiled.

What I do worry is whether the remainers can get themselves organised enough and work together from the different political spectrums to make this work.  I think it’s because they are so unorganised and seem unable to share a common message that this has become so messy and got so far.  If they were half as assured as the Conservatives the landscape would look a lot different right now.  The frustrating thing is that I agree with every single one of the other parties – Labour, Lib-Dems, SNP and Greens but they just can’t agree enough to come together (as seen on CH4 news tonight.  They all said the right things but then started to bicker about each other’s policies and leaders), and give assurance to those that are still staunchly wanting us to leave the EU.  That kind of indecisiveness allows room for the less than favourable speakers to come in and take over and look like the “good guys” because they can relate to people’s frustration with just about anything that people don’t like, whether that’s actually an issue or not.

Here’s to another 36 hours of hope (or thereabouts!).

Thank you for reading.