Uses of Article 16
The Brexit ultras are out again, campaigning for the immediate implementation of Article 16. This time on the grounds that Sinn Fein might win the election in Northern Ireland.
Leaving aside the simple facts that elections in NI are free and fair and that this is the deal the ultras wanted, negotiated and voted for, the simple fact is that they desperately need someone or thing to blame.
Article 16 therefore is useful, start a trade war with the EU now and blame it for the cost of living crisis, low growth, plummeting exports and all the rest.
Simples.
The fact that they are willing to play this kind of fantasy politics during the invasion of Ukraine tells you all you need to know. The fact that the government seems reluctant to kow-tow to their demands suggests, it knows what the real cost would be.
The British public’s attitude will be interesting to watch, generally they don’t give a damn about Northern Ireland and wouldn’t give a fig if it sank without trace, let alone joined the Republic.
Can you whip them up into outrage over the Northern Ireland Protocol when most people in NI voted against Brexit and enjoy being in the Single Market.
I very much doubt it, but this is what the ultras think they can do and prosper while doing it.
Good luck with that.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.