Let's have a 'people's vote'

In October the largest demonstration since the Iraq War protest took place in Westminster. It saw 700,000 demonstrators turn out to make plain their disapproval at the way Brexit negotiations have been handled and to call for a People’s Vote on the final deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

By Sajjad Karim, Conservative MEP for the North West

Despite this overwhelming support for a new referendum, a People’s Vote has still not been guaranteed. Brexiteers have argued that we should not have a repeat of the EU Referendum, but it is not about re-running the 2016 vote. Nor is it “undemocratic” or against the so-called “will of the people”, as they also like to claim, quite the contrary in fact.

It is actually democracy at its finest when the people are allowed to vote on an issue they have changed their opinion on once they have seen the broken promises of the past compared to the reality they now face.

At what point did we stop being a mature democracy that could stop and think based upon where we are today in changing circumstances?

When did we stop being that country which had the ability to reflect on our previous choices and decide we now want to review our decision?

Councils all across the UK are passing motions in support of a People’s Vote on the final Brexit Deal, including in Lancashire. Preston City Council recently did so, with polls showing that the city would now in fact vote to Remain instead of Leave.

According to the Bank of England, Brexit uncertainty is unsurprisingly preventing firms from investing. The Bank has even cut its forecast for growth in business investment this year to zero per cent, as a result of what Governor Mark Carney calls “maximum uncertainty” and the prospect of a no-deal Brexit.

The only way to stop this madness in its tracks is a Parliamentary process leading to a People’s Vote.

We are a pragmatic and dynamic family of nations that have the ability to adapt and adjust. We want to be leading in our continent ideally through the European Union and projecting ourselves to the globe and winning, not falling down with a whimper.

This is not like a general election where we can change our minds in five years’ time. Whatever decision is made now it will impact our country for the next 40 to 50 years. If you want a final say on the issue, contact your local MP or myself as your MEP and make your voice heard by calling for a People’s Vote today.