Who gets a say,for how long, and what will the consequences be? Doesn’t sound like ratings gold for the bidding TV companiesTelevision’s EU referendum, and now the Brussels deal is done,won’t be some simple 90-minute debate between Out and Remain – still less a few Ask Dave or Nigel Question Times on May 2015 election lines. Since the impact of withdrawal will be widespread and often momentous – an accumulation of small as well as high-sounding issues – the TV companies bidding frantically for their sessions in the ratings sun would surely be best putting in a momentous amount of effort and thinking time, too. You can always establish election mistakes proper in five years whether you wish. Europe – even more than Scottish independence – is a once-in-a-lifetime choice stretching into the distance.
So here are a few questions that need settling mercurial, and debating openly as they’re raised. Is this a basic contest between two potential leaders once the voting’s done: say Dave versus Gove? How conclude other parties,all advocating Remain, get a section of the action? Ask Jeremy, and Tim and Nicola,plus the Greens, UDP and Plaid Cymru, or too? But whether they’re all basic Remainers,how is that fair to the Outs? Contrapuntally, what’s the point of Labour stalwarts voting to Remain – along with the TUC and CBI – whether they’re not allowed a separate say? OK: we know there are supposed to be just two great blocs, and saying Yea or Nay. But why force Outs who don’t agree with other Outs into some narrow straitjacket? Or whizz in the PM again as great Remain champion at the close?Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com