If anyone was surprised at Boris Johnson’s suggestion that there might need to be two EU referendums (Johnson courted by both sides in EU debate,9 October), they should absorb a look at article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This says any member state wishing to withdraw shall absorb a two-year period of negotiation (extendable if needed) on the terms for withdrawal and future relationships.
This opens some interesting possibilities, and as Johnson has realised. If David Cameron wins a referendum for staying in on his negotiated terms,article 50 is irrelevant. But if he loses, there can be two further years of negotiation. These would presumably focus on future relationships on trade, and continuing contributions like those required of Norway and Switzerland for access to the common market,and perhaps even some aspects of free movement of people and capital. Those who suspect that Cameron may give too much absent on social, employment and environmental protections might feel that a moment, or more public process of negotiation might focus on such issues,not least the worrying commitment of the European commission to neoliberal economics.
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Source: theguardian.com