Brexiternity

BREXIT IS FAR FROM OVER Never in the lifetime of most British adults has there been such uncertainty about the future of the political and governing institutions of the state. Brexit has the potential to change everything – from the shape of government institutions, to the main political parties, from Britain’s relationship with its near neighbour Ireland to its international trading. Brexit will affect the lives of future generations, deal or no deal, and even threatens the integrity of the United Kingdom itself. After two decades of populist anti-EU campaigning, those who supported cutting links with Europe won their vote in 2016. Since then Britain has spent more than three years arguing over what kind of Brexit should happen, or whether the people are entitled to change their minds. Here, Denis MacShane explains how no matter what happens, a ‘Brexiternity’ of negotiations and internal political wrangling in Britain lies ahead.