Forge a new Britain, come what May - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Forge a new Britain, come what May

Hindustan Times | By
Jul 12, 2016 08:34 PM IST

The task before Theresa May is not only to lead Britain out of the EU, but also unite the divided Conservative party and the dis-United Kingdom – demand is growing to hold another independence referendum in the pro-EU Scotland

If the days after the June 23 Brexit vote reaffirmed Harold Wilson’s dictum that a week is a long time in politics, a fortnight can be more eventful. What started as a way to assuage Euroscpetic feelings in the Conservative party has led to the most politically turbulent phase in British politics in contemporary memory: a prime minister resigns; aspirations of two high profile Tories — Boris Johnson and Michael Gove — lie in tatters; the Labour leader faces a leadership contest less than a year in the post; the markets are on a rollercoaster; a Remainer is chosen as the prime minister to lead Brexit; no one quite knows how the future will pan out; and the once Great Britain is diminished in the eyes of many as ‘Little England’.

British Home Secretary Theresa May became the sole contender to become Britain's next prime minister after her sole rival pulled out in a dramatic twist as turmoil sweeps the political scene in the wake of the Brexit vote.(AP)
British Home Secretary Theresa May became the sole contender to become Britain's next prime minister after her sole rival pulled out in a dramatic twist as turmoil sweeps the political scene in the wake of the Brexit vote.(AP)

Read | Theresa May: Cricket-loving British leader with impact on India

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The saga of intrigues, opportunism and worse associated with the EU referendum can be expected to be soon reflected in popular culture, but behind the play in newspaper headlines on Theresa May taking over as the next prime minister — ‘Monday Mayhem’, ‘May Day’, ‘Maggie May’ – the task before her is daunting, to say the least. The second woman prime minister in British history may be set for an equally historic tenure as the first: Margaret Thatcher.

Read | Theresa May to replace Cameron on Wednesday as pro-Brexit rival quits PM race

At stake is not only redefining Britain’s vision of itself outside the European Union and on the international stage, but also making the best out of a bad bargain by reconciling the many contradictions in negotiations to extricate Britain out of the EU. May does not want to trigger until the end of the year Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which sets out the two-year exit process. But European leaders have already signalled their impatience and want to get it over with and move on as soon as possible.

Read | Will ‘tough’ Theresa May be a unifying post-Brexit PM?

Brexit is the biggest item in May’s in-tray and every move will be closely followed by the millions who voted for it, as well as those who did not, particularly on immigration. At the heart of Brexit negotiations is the ambition to get the same trade access and facilities as a member of the EU but without agreeing to the ‘freedom of movement’ of EU citizens. The implications for London’s reputation as the capital of finance and business are enormous, with Paris and Frankfurt already beckoning banks and businesses to relocate. The task before May is not only to lead Britain out of the EU, but also unite the divided Conservative party and the dis-United Kingdom – demand is growing to hold another independence referendum in the pro-EU Scotland. Given her formidable reputation as a no-nonsense Home secretary and as one who coined the words ‘nasty party’ in 2002 while seeking to refashion her Conservative party, May appears to be the best person to deal with the situation. In other words, May is set for the test of a lifetime that she cannot afford to fail, come what may.

Read | Brexit vote: All you need to know about Britain’s referendum on leaving the EU

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! -Login Now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On