Life after Brexit

Along with the 48%, I regret that we have left the EU, not because of economic reasons but because it was good to part of something we contributed so much to and which held so much collective promise.

But here we are and there is no going back. I doubt if even I, would want to re-join a EU before understanding what it was evolving into.

To expect some immediate or even medium term remorse by leavers is forlorn. We should not be deceived into thinking that Brexit will generally be perceived as a bad thing. The inevitable disruption of the initial few months will be seen as just that and, who knows, that may be true.

Exporting companies will soon get their heads around the bureaucracy and resume a strong market presence in Europe. European companies will also market strongly in Britain. So, the meagre ‘trade deals’ this government makes abroad will be cheered on but have little consequence. Europe will be our major trading partner just as it’s always been.

Confidence in the UK as an investment destination and as a trading partner will doubtless be dented but few in this country will realise that, and the media will ignore international diplomacy and what goes on in Europe just as they always have.

The EU deal is far from done but will be progressively (and quietly) consolidated. It will form something to build upon for a future if not within the EU, at least as part of a broader European alliance.

This is what we should be working for – an outward-looking UK seeking broad-based partnerships with like-minded democracies. This is what was promised by the Brexit campaign. The only difference would be a commitment to draw ever-closer to the EU in partnership, whilst not being a not member.

Membership is off the agenda right now and likely to be for years to come. We need to develop our thinking, make the most of our proximity to Europe and not to think in terms of Brexit any more.It’s gone, but unlike Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi, they haven’t yet paved paradise and put up a parking lot. That’s what we should be fighting against.