A View From The Western Isles

I am up here taking a family break, but keeping an eye on what is going on. I have some thoughts, more questions really, than answers. But I think they are worth sharing.

BREXIT

I do not see how it is possible in a democracy, even with our unwritten constitution, to remove from the EU two countries, Scotland and Northern Ireland, against their democratic will. Both voted Remain and reinforced that choice in the way they voted in the EU elections. The shambolic preparation for the whole Brexit project, now plunged into  chaos approaching farce, not only did not bother to work out how Brexit would or could work, but how or what majority would be decisive.

Surely at least Scotland should have had to go Leave with England, or a two thirds majority be required in one of the biggest  constitutional revisions in our history, for a Leave mandate to be valid?

BORIS

I have said from the very beginning that the Leave majority was achieved with a false prospectus which, had it been a public offering by a limited company of its shares or goods, would have led to criminal prosecutions. That politicians should be exempt from these standards is a major reason why they are now held in such contempt. If democracy is founded on lies it has no future whatever. Neither can it be argued that political comment and debate by its nature permits outlandish claims and promises because they can be challenged by an alternative view. Lies are lies however they are packaged and whatever their purpose. It is worth noting that it was a private lawsuit which gave Parliament control of Brexit.

Perhaps another private intervention will change British politics for the good?

CAR PRODUCTION

In the U.K. this has fallen by 45% in April. Evidently this is due to disruption caused by the Brexit preparations. Should we be comfortable about this?

TORY LEADERSHIP

There are so many candidates fancying their chances in the contest to replace May that I have lost count. It is apparently now the case that with a sitting government, but without a majority in parliament, an external electorate of 120,000 Tory members averaging late fifties in age, mostly white and mostly men, get to decide the next prime minister. How did we end up here?