We British are a stubborn people

Mr Garton Ash, have you compared the Brexit with a Soap-Opera. But it is not a tragedy?
The consequences of Brexit for Europe could be worse than for the UK. There are already very many of the forces of populism and the destruction at work in the EU, and the Brexit could give you once again a strong boost.

What can the EU do about it?
A long, flexible displacement of the outlet may be the Chance for a long, democratic process that could end with either a second Referendum-and the fate of the Kingdom in the EU.

But then could feel the British betrayed, and populism would only be harder.
The Argument I hear again and again: The UK would be a difficult member of the EU, the mood poison, cancer, the Union ulcer destroy. However, there is some competition in this thing – if you look to Italy, Hungary, and Poland. The EU must survive as a Whole. But if you think long term, for over a decade, with a view also to the relations with China, to the USA, then it is clearly better if the UK remains in the EU. That would be not an easy start, but the EU would in the end be a better place.

There are many Europeans who have abandoned the British people simply.
Shocking many. I hear again and again, a "No Deal" is the lesser of two Evils, let's just stop with the Drama. But that would be a mistake. It would be a relief in the short term and in the long-term pain. It would poison a whole Generation. Each side would give each other the blame. And it is an Illusion that you can separate, for example, in the case of a "No Deal" issues of cooperation in security and defence questions of the economic relations. If the economic relations are poor, if we have a recession, unemployment and poverty, then, has serious consequences for the overall relationship with the EU.

Would crawl to the UK following a Crash back to Europe and to the resumption of begging?
I warn you against this delusion. Anyone who believes that after a few years we'd be back, you are wrong. The one who believes this, does not know the British, we are stubborn people. The Scots would go, the ulsterman would Orient to Ireland, and the whole constitutional structure of the Kingdom would be shaken. In addition, the EU would continue to develop along the French-German requirements, and therefore, it would be a different EU. Last but not least we would then have no of the special Deals that we currently have.

What can the EU summit lead to?
A long, flexible shift would be good, coupled with the commitment that the British did not interfere in important EU decisions. The participation in European elections would be also a Chance for us British Europeans, to argue for the whereabouts in the EU.

what will be the impact of Brexit process in the long term psychologically to the British?
I can see in the Brexit nothing Positive for Europe. But there is a positive aspect for the British. We have finally, at five after twelve, understood what to go to us lost is threatening Europe. The Pro-European movement is growing. Six million people have signed a Petition to article 50, to be revoked. This is a silver lining on the horizon.

you Can say that what happened here would not have happened, for example, in Switzerland, because Switzerland has a lot more experience with voting, how to do something and what to ask?
Some say, the referendums were generally the work of the devil; I see it differently. We already had some, and the works. Rather, we must learn from Canada. As Canada in 1995 by secession almost Quebec would have lost, have made the Canadians do everything right: you have to be informed prepared for the Referendum, a high Quorum, carried. Our Problem was that we held a bad Referendum.

Will destroy the Brexit the Union? The Scots in the independence and the Northern Ireland seeking reunification?
Just a hard "No Deal"-Brexit would have this consequence, which would take us to 16. Century catapult, as there was only England and Wales.

some of the Parliament in the end?
I don't think that is the case. The people say: be ready. But the Parliament is the heart of the British identity. Even I get a bit defensive when someone calls the House of Parliament, the House of Clowns.

The deputies had their Chance!
the fault of The Brexit-Chaos is up to 90 percent in the case of the Conservative party. It begins with Maggie Thatcher, who was on your old days of anti-European. And then the Referendum – David Cameron carried out without the idea, negotiated without expertise. And all this always with the focus, especially the party together. 10 percent rest of the blame lies with the other. Within this 10 percent, in turn, it is unfair to give the Parliament after three years of negotiations, the responsibility to ensure that it has not agreed in three days. Give them a few more weeks, maybe something will come out.

In the 90 percent to blame for the Chaos, they give it to the Tories – what is the proportion of Theresa May?
you screwed up from the beginning. She was wrongly advised. With a score of 52 Yes to 48 percent no for the exit, it was clear from the beginning that you need to be heading on a compromise with the Remainern. If you talk to the leading people of the campaign for a second Referendum, all of which to say: If May 2016 Norway model, would have suggested a soft Brexit, there would have been a quick deal. Unfortunately, the cases are now so many wrong decisions are the political children and grandchildren of Maggie Thatcher. There is a narrow circle of politicians, journalists, columnists and experts that confirm all permanent each other. London is the largest echo chamber in the country.

it Would be useful if May would be forced to resign?
it Brings us closer to a solution? No, because then there is a competition for the leadership of the Conservative party and the likely new elections. If you wonder whether you can still contribute to a solution, the answer is: no.

And Boris Johnson? If he would replace May?
I don't think it comes to that. He is unpopular with many members. It Dominic Raab, or other Brexiteer is more like it. But that would be no good way. After the EU summit, we have municipal elections, further discussions in the house of Commons, and then European elections – because we should spend not to fight the time with power.

you sounds so rational, like a walk in the spring, when everything would be after the summit.
no, but the Tories would be well advised, if you are replacing just before the elections? You will be waiting and sharpening knives. May will remain for a few weeks. And in this time we could make policy, the Parliament can agree.

Where will it all end?
of Course, the crucial question is whether we leave the EU or not – and in the second line, if there is a soft or a hard Brexit. If there is one, is not a hard cut, but a long, unstoppable drift Apart.

Will prevail in the British society at some point, the realization that it was a mistake, to explain to Brussels to the enemy?
Maybe a third of the British is total, EU-hostile defensive attitude. But what we are going through, is currently a good deterrent example for other Euro-sceptic countries. The only question is, how long the Brexit will appear to others as a deterrent. If it goes badly for the British, is that bad for Europe. Then there will be no cooperation in international issues, and little in common. If it runs but very good for us, then, say in five years, Salvini, Le Pen and Orban: I want what I have.

What you should rates in the EU?
This is quite simple. Do everything you can while there is still a tiny Chance, that the UK remains in the EU.

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 11.04.2019, 07:45 PM