Britain walks away from Democracy !

It is quite clear that consensus on the Brexit withdrawal from the EU is impossible to obtain in the United Kingdom.   The deal former prime minister May worked out with EU leaders was repeatedly rejected in the Westminster parliament and that led to Boris Johnson, a " no deal " proponent moving into 10 Downing street.

Johnson has embarked on a bold and dangerous ploy.  He proposes to prorogue the British parliament for the five critical weeks before the deadline for Britain to exit the EU  on October 31.  Basically, that takes the decision making out of the hands of the men and women elected to run the country and puts the final decision entirely in the hands of the prime minister and his cabinet.

Technically, a British prime minister acts as Lord President of the Privy Seal and has the power to dissolve parliament but must first gain the approval of the Sovereign.   It is reported that Queen Elizabeth has granted that approval.   In the eyes of many of her subjects, Britain has turned its back on democracy and Boris Johnson is assuming the role of a dictator.

There is little doubt that this dismissal of parliament will find wide disfavour from most of the factions with a view on Brexit.  It is already bringing protesting crowds into the streets and this could easily grow to the extent that it paralyses the economy.  The EU has firmly stated that no further extensions will be granted and it now seems inevitable that Britain will leave the EU on October 31. Without an agreement in place, a "no deal " exit will automatically happen.

The original  referendum narrowly decided on withdrawal and the voters were assured that this could be achieved fairly harmoniously.  A " no deal " withdrawal now seems to deliver the worst possible outcome.  It is a complete step into the unknown and it might deliver the sort of chaos that increases unemployment and delivers a shortage of food and pharmaceuticals.  Unfortunately, Britain's leaders have stubbornly refused to put the matter to another referendum now that the cost of Brexit is becoming clear.

There is every chance that discontent may see a repeat of the unrest that is roiling Hong Kong.  This is the sort of issue that draws massive civil disobedience and the final outcome can not be predicted.  We may see police manning water cannons and firing tear gas on the streets of London.  This has the seeds of " revolution " and the mood of the crowd may change rapidly.   The Britain we know may be swept away and the very cohesion that resulted in a " United Kingdom " may come to an end.

Britain reached its zenith in the heady days of empire.   That empire is now gone and Britain is trying to find a new standing in world affairs. It is obvious that its people hanker for the glory of their past and they have a distaste for incorporation in Europe.  Unfortunately, this is leading to a lack of wisdom and the rest of the world will be mere spectators at this saga runs its course.