Why Do Brexiters Think That Remainers Will Simply Accept the Loss of Rights Without Recrimination?

It is true that not all Remainers will simply accept the loss of rights that Brexit entails without any form of response or protest. In fact, many see the situation as a significant and unwelcome upheaval in their lives and relationships. Some Brexiters even go as far as to express a desire for further conflict or provocation. For instance, one individual proposed creating a museum of Brexit featuring a bottle of Remainer tears, indicating a deep-seated dissatisfaction and a desire to continue the friction.

The Arrogance of Brexiters

Another observation is that many Brexiters exhibit an extreme sense of arrogance, believing they are right in their views. This arrogance stems from a perceived lack of challenge to their opinions for the better part of four decades. During this period, those opposed to the European Union (EU) had to accept numerous changes and restrictions without much backlash.

The Level of Fuss

During the MAS and LIS treaties, which significantly altered the terms of EU membership, the opposition was relatively muted compared to the current Remainer protests. While opponents of the EU have shown little concern in the past, the Remainers now feel the need to voice their concerns, leading to a higher level of recrimination. The Brexiters perceive this as a concerted effort to drag the country down, whereas the Remainers often view the process as a challenging yet inevitable path forward.

Manifestations of Recrimination

The recriminations will likely manifest in various ways, including public displays of frustration, symbolic protests, and legal challenges. Leavers might encourage their supporters to stamp their feet, hold their breath, or hiss fit, while others might raise concerns about the loss of rights, such as the ￡39 billion that goes untaxed and the impact on workers who lost jobs to Eastern Europe.

The Will of the People vs. Legal Rights

While the Leavers often cite the will of the people as their primary argument, the issue of rights remains a critical point of contention. In legal terms, Parliament has the right to strip rights, but doing so under a democratic mandate places significant limitations. Thus, while the Remainers cannot legally stop the withdrawal of certain rights, they can protest and challenge these decisions in a legal and procedural manner.

The Identity Crisis

A more complex issue to address is the Brexiters’ internal struggle with their sense of identity and security. The investment in the idea of a nation state or a political choice often translates to a personal sense of worth and identity. Those who are deeply attached to these concepts fear any questioning of them as a personal attack. Many Leavers believe that any legal challenge or protest against Brexit is an existential threat to their view of themselves and their country.

The Legitimacy of the Debate

The Brexiters have created a narrative where any challenge to their stance is seen as a threat to the authenticity of the will of the people. This view is reinforced by their belief that any compromise or indecision in Brexit is a sign of weakness. The legality and procedural validity of any challenge are often dismissed in favor of a more emotional and identity-based argument. This is exemplified by the Leavers’ reaction to anyone who questions their stance, which can often be hostile and unwelcoming.

In conclusion, the recriminations and the underlying issues of identity and security will be key elements in the ongoing debate over Brexit. Both Leavers and Remainers need to navigate these challenges carefully to achieve a balanced and peaceful resolution to this complex issue.