The Lib Dems are playing a dangerous game with the lives of people in this country. They can no longer call themselves the party for remainers if they aren’t willing to back Jeremy Corbyn’s proposal for a temporary government. The most baffling thing about the Lib Dems is that they say one thing, but their actions show another. What the last week has shown is that they are in fact the party of anti-Corbyn, than the party for remain voters.
Since the results of the referendum in 2016, the Lib Dems have been calling for a second referendum, or a people’s vote on the type of Brexit, against remain. However, a second referendum has not been a realistic option, until now.
Back in March, when the indicative votes took place, Labour’s stance on Brexit changed. Labour’s position after the referendum was to respect the result of the referendum, and fight for a softer Brexit deal, one which will be good for the working class of Britain. To do this, there would need to be a general election. This was agreed by Labour members in 2018. If this were to fail, then Labour’s position would change to supporting a second referendum. It is clear now that Labour would not only be able to provide a soft Brexit, but also won’t be able to win a general election without the support of Remain voters. Therefore, Labour has changed their position.
Now that we are approaching a no deal Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn has called on the leaders of other parties and Tory remainers to back him in a vote of no confidence against PM Johnson and allow Jeremy to become the caretaker Prime Minister. His proposal would be to call a general election, where Labour would back a second referendum and fight for remain. This would be a national unity government, but the Lib Dems aren’t playing ball.
Jeremy is offering the Lib Dems what they’ve always wanted. This is in fact a win for them. Then why are they so reluctant to support Jeremy? Let’s look at their explanation for why they aren’t going to support Jeremy. They believe a neutral leader should be chosen, like Harriet Harman or Ken Clarke. Well under Labour rules, it’s not possible for Harriet Harman to become leader, unless she leaves the Labour Party. Ken Clarke is the more baffling one since he doesn’t even support a second referendum. The Lib Dems would rather a support a Tory who doesn’t even want a second referendum, then Jeremy Corbyn, who will offer a second referendum.
Another reason why they don’t want to support Jeremy is that they don’t believe he will get the numbers. This is one of the worst excuses. Why not try to actually engage and throw your support into preventing no deal, instead of standing by complaining from the sides? Frankly, that’s what the Lib Dems are doing. With the Lib Dems, we have more of a chance to stop a no deal Brexit. Honestly, without them it’s impossible.
The Lib Dems want a second referendum without a general election. Firstly, you want Ken Clarke to lead this temporary government. He’s not even going to give you a second referendum. Also, a temporary government will have to govern for at least a year. That’s impossible. There are other things which are also important like the economy. A temporary government will not be able to handle any of these things because its powers are limited. A general election is needed.
Personally, I wouldn’t class myself as a remainer. I did vote remain and would vote remain again. However, I don’t believe leaving or staying in the EU is the be all or end all. Getting rid of the Tories and preventing a Tory/No Deal Brexit is much more important. I think we could’ve made a soft Brexit work, which puts the working class first. For me, the problem with Brexit is that people think you’re either in or out. It’s black or white. There are no grey areas. But I am in the grey area. We should’ve been aiming for a Brexit deal which would’ve united the country again. One which remainers and leavers would’ve supported. However, the behaviour of people in the last couple of years has shown me that’s impossible. Everyone wants to be right and they’re no longer willing to listen to each other. Leavers want to leave in the most terrible way possible, just to show they won. A no deal is a going to hurt you mate. Why are you celebrating? Remainers still haven’t opened their ears and listened to why Leave won. The main reason was because of the racist rhetoric thrown about by people like Johnson and Farage. Another reason is because people are done with neoliberalism. They want a change. Saying that, leaving the EU and Johnson is not the change we need. We need to put the people at the forefront of this country. Make this country work for everyone, not just the big businesses and billionaires.
I humbly request the Lib Dems to rethink their position on Brexit. Support Jeremy Corbyn with his bid to prevent a No Deal Brexit. A No Deal Brexit is going to affect everyone negatively, especially the working class and those less fortunate. It is also going to lead to an increase in hate crime and that’s a terrifying prospect for people like me and my family.
Aleha