Britain's EU Ambasador Resigns In Protest Over May's Brexit Stance

Theresa May seems unable or unwilling to get a handle on Brexit negotiations. Tuesday, Ivan Rogers, the British ambassador to the EU, resigned with a blistering attack on the government’s approach to Brexit. Rogers had already tried to introduce some reality to May’s government a few weeks ago, saying that the unwind negotiations could take a decade to conclude. May originally brushed off those remarks as the ambassador reflecting the views of the Europeans. Tuesday’s resignation puts lie to that idea, as it clearly reflected Rogers informed view having worked with the EU for years.

In his resignation letter, Rogers stated, “We do not yet know what the Government will set as negotiating objectives for the UK’s relationship with the EU after exit.” Since May has promised to invoked Article 50 before the end of March, that seems like it might be a problem. Rogers continued, “Serious multilateral negotiating experience is in short supply in Whitehall…Contrary to the beliefs of some, free trade does not just happen when it is not thwarted by authorities: increasing market access to other markets and consumer choice in our own, depends on the deals, multilateral, plurilateral and bilateral that we strike, and the terms that we agree…I hope you will continue to challenge ill-founded arguments and muddled thinking and that you will never be afraid to speak the truth to those in power.”

Admittedly, Brexit has put May in a tough spot, either laying out her terms for Brexit to build support from voters and in Parliament while at the same time tipping her hand to the EU or playing her hand close to the vest until Article 50 is actually invoked. The problem with the latter is that the details on that position for exit will not have been thoroughly worked out. In addition, the Supreme Court will be ruling shortly on whether Parliament is required to vote before Article 50 can be invoked. If the Court rules that Parliament must vote first, then it will be impossible for May not to lay out her goals and strategy for Brexit.

The prion disease that has taken over the Republican party here in the US also seems to be effecting Britain’s Conservative party as well. In both parties, there is an attitude that allows for summary dismissal of expertise and ideas that run counter to some fixed and simplistic ideological beliefs that can score some cheap political points. It was that kind of attitude that allowed Brexit to happen in the first place. Rogers resignation is yet another example.