The Blurred Boundaries of Brexit - (with Laura Kuennsberg)

THIS ARTICLE IS OVER A YEAR OLD

The current political climate is tearing our country apart. Leave voters call remain voters “remoaners”, while, remain voters try to topple the Brexit process and thwart Brexit, which is due to happen on the 29th of March, less than 40 sitting parliamentary days away. Theresa May’s Brexit deal was spectacularly blocked by parliament, a loss of 230 votes, the biggest in recent history. Threats such as empty shelves, and people creating “Brexit Boxes” of supplies in case of a no deal Brexit have scared people into the confusion of what Brexit really means.

With fog blocking the clarity of Brexit, I asked the BBC’s Political editor, Laura Kuenssberg some questions about our political situation.

Laura Kuenssberg became the BBC’S political editor in July 2015. She is the first women the hold this prestigious position. She was previously Channel 4’s business editor. My questions to her were;

Do you think that the wider general public has faith in our current government?

I think that many members of the public are frustrated with the handling of Brexit and don’t have very much faith that the government is managing it in the right way. At the same time, traditionally, a government that appeared to be in chaos over its main policy would be trailing very badly in the polls. I think politics is very fluid at the moment and it’s hard to make solid conclusions about of this but trust is pretty low.

Do you think that a general election will confuse the country, and create a greater divide?

If we end up in a general election it’s hard to predict how a campaign might change things. As we saw in 2017, sentiment can shift a lot in the course of just a few weeks. The outcome of any future election would be shaped significantly by how it comes about and the policies the main parties put forward.

Do you think that the Speaker, John Bercow should get a peerage?

It’s convention that Speakers do. I wouldn’t express a personal view on whether he should.

Do you think that we should have a People's Vote over Brexit?

Again, I wouldn’t express a personal view.

Do you think that a second referendum over Brexit is a failure of democracy?

I wouldn’t express a personal view on that, but it is the case that some voters would feel frustration if it were to happen. Those campaigning for another referendum are also aware that they would have to overcome that challenge if they are to start changing more people’s minds.

What questions do you think that a second referendum should ask?

If it gets that far then the only thing worth predicting is that there will be an almighty row about what is asked!

What do you think will happen if Brexit doesn't happen?

The answer to that question depends greatly on the circumstances in which that were to take place.

How do you think Theresa May can break through the Brexit deadlock?

With difficulty! But it’s not impossible

If you were the Prime Minister, what would you do differently?

I wouldn’t express a personal view

If you were an MP, would you have voted for the Prime Minister's deal?

Again, I wouldn’t express a personal view

Do you think that if the Prime Minister cannot get a new deal through Parliament, we will have to extend article 50?

As the clock counts down and the legislation has not yet been passed, then it becomes more likely, but not inevitable

This article was originally published on the 29th January 2019 at https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/youngreporter/17392730.the-blurred-boundaries-of-brexit-by-hussain-zaidi/