Many British citizens are having second thoughts about BREXIT. In fact, several “second referendum” protests have occurred since the first referendum, each calling for a redo. In June 2018, one protest had over 100,000 marchers. A poll that spring revealed that 46% of the population thought BREXIT was the wrong decision, while 43% still supported it. So, should Britain hold a second referendum?
One might think my answer would be “Yes,” given the first series of article’s focus on regionalism. As the world shifts to regions, BREXIT runs in the wrong direction. It threatens to isolate Britain and make it irrelevant. However, before calling for another referendum, it’s important to know the rest of the story.
Britain will be better-off in the long run if it goes through with BREXIT, with no second referendum. Why? Because while BREXIT will cause pain and could have a disastrous impact on its economy, Britain can learn valuable lessons through abiding by this referendum. Why is this important? Because referendums will become more prevalent in the future as technology makes them easier to conduct and growing connectivity among people makes them a more natural form of decision-making. Going through this pain now, and learning lessons along the way, will put Britain ahead in the long run. In a half-generation, say 10-15 years, it can then hold another referendum, which will almost assuredly decide to rejoin the union.
The next series of articles will explain the importance of referendums in future governance. It will also introduce the concept of governance bases, the principle that underlies governance at a particular societal level. These will explain why Britain needs to fulfill the results of the referendum, trying to get the best deal it can from the EU, but leaving without a second referendum—well at least not one any time soon.
References:
Washington Post, “Protesters call for a second BREXIT vote, 24 Jun 2018, A14.
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