An extract of a report was leaked this week which laid out an analysis of the economic impact Brexit will have on the UK’s economy. Three hypothetical versions of Brexit were examined with all three found to negatively impact on the UK's predicted GDP growth rate.
I'm now going to ask: what does publishing this report in full achieve? In short, the answer would be nothing other than increasing the punitive squabbling between a bunch of adults who are claimed to be some of the best and brightest minds this country has to offer.
I can see no good coming from this report
I can see no good coming from this report. Remainers will sit with a sense of self-righteous smugness that the economics align with their views whilst the Leavers will call into question the validity of the report and the institutionalised bias they see themselves up against. Neither side will back down and will only entrench themselves deeper in their ideological bunkers.
The report was clearly leaked to Buzzfeed to deliberately to kick the hornets' nest while it was already rattled. Of course, the MPs should have the right to vote to fully release the report but I hope that the majority will see past their own views and appreciate the political climate that is being created: a politics on inwards thinking, division among party ranks and a lack of clear direction.
Neither side will back down and will only entrench themselves deeper in their ideological bunkers
To broker a deal, as Brexit is happening whether you like it or not (I don't), you have to come in with as strong a position as you can, as united as you can, and with the aim of securing the best deal that you can. This age of fractious politics is leading to nothing but a weakening of the democratic process with the very structures of this country being challenged, such as the Supreme Court with Gina Miller, Civil Service bias and economic experts referred to as liars. Yes, a representative democracy is allowed to squabble, and it's the gift of free speech to do so, but as factions such as the Tories’ 'European Research Group' and 'Momentum' gain control, it is time to look at the bigger picture. The solution I suggest is to set up a bipartisan group. They should discuss with as many academic experts as need be, listen to as wide a voter base as possible and finally but most importantly prepare to compromise. No deal is perfect for one side. Just like this report, it has flaws and faults, so keep it behind closed doors, sit down and talk. Get on with your job.