The Unpopularity of Theresa May's Brexit Deal: Reasons and Implications

When it comes to the Brexit debate, the term 'unpopular' often gets thrown around. One significant example is the deal proposed by Theresa May, which faced a tripartite rejection and ultimately led to her resignation. This article delves into the reasons behind its unpopularity and the implications it had on the UK's future.

Measuring Unpopularity

One measure of unpopularity is the number of times a proposed policy or deal is rejected. In Theresa May's case, her Brexit deal was rejected three times by the House of Commons. The final rejection, a January 2019 parliamentary vote which remains the biggest UK government defeat in British political history, showcased the extent of dissatisfaction with the deal. This rejection was a stark indication that the deal did not align with the expectations of a majority in the British parliament.

Why Was It Unpopular?

May's deal was unpopular for several reasons. Firstly, it did not maintain the UK's territorial integrity. The deal aimed to establish a continuity between the UK and the Republic of Ireland through a customs arrangement, but it also required the UK to follow EU rules without having any say in setting them. This unfortunately made the UK a 'rule taker' rather than a 'rule maker.'

Secondly, May's deal fell short in ensuring regulatory independence for the UK, which was a critical point for many supporters of Brexit. By maintaining the UK's alignment with EU rules and regulations, May's deal did not deliver the degree of autonomy and freedom that the Brexiteers had envisioned.

Reason for Unpopularity: Reality vs. Immediate Gratification

It is evident that the unpopularity of May's deal stemmed from a critical misalignment between reality and immediate desires. Brexiteers often advocated for their vision of Brexit without fully understanding the practical implications. Their primary desire was to leave the EU and retain the benefits of access to the single market and freedom of movement, without the obligations and regulations. May’s deal sought to satisfy the former while making compromises on the latter.

This approach effectively meant compromising on regulatory independence, a key component of the original Brexit agenda. The deal was criticized for making the UK a European rule taker, ensuring that it faced the consequences of non-compliance without the clout to negotiate or influence EU regulations.

Conclusion

Theresa May's Brexit deal remains a complex and controversial topic, reflecting the broader challenges of negotiating the UK's future within and outside the European Union. While the deal represented a pragmatic and cautious approach to maintaining the UK's integrity and access to the single market, it unfortunately fell short in fulfilling the immediate desires of many Brexiteers for full regulatory independence.

In summary, May’s deal was unpopular because it promised a compromise that neither maintained the UK's territorial integrity nor secured the level of regulatory independence envisaged by the pro-Leave camp. The vote against her deal was thus a protest against the compromise, highlighting the divide between the practical and the idealistic in the Brexit process.

As the UK continues to navigate the complexities of its post-Brexit future, understanding the reasons behind the unpopularity of May's deal is crucial for those seeking to address the underlying issues and make the necessary adjustments.