Has Boris Johnson Made a Brexit Offer the EU Can Only Refuse?
The truth about Boris Johnson's Brexit proposal is more complex than it might initially appear. In fact, the published offer is only half the story, and if the EU rejects it, it opens up a multitude of implications.
The Reality of Johnson's Offer
No, the offer made by Boris Johnson to the EU is not a genuine proposition. According to the article, it is essentially an attempt to void the Withdrawal Agreement, which the EU broke just a few weeks after signing it. In other words, the offer is simply a renegotiation of the Brexit deal, leaving the UK with the option to void the Withdrawal Agreement altogether.
This means that if the EU rejects the offer, the UK will nullify the entire Withdrawal Agreement. However, from the EU's perspective, they are not in a position to reject this offer outright. The UK has already agreed to two separate deals that avoided a hard border in Northern Ireland. Both Mays's initial deal and the second agreement were signed by members of the current Brexiteer government. Thus, it would be illogical for the EU to accept this new offer without a viable alternative solution from the UK side.
Judgment and Consequences
The EU has responded by rejecting the offer, viewing it as nothing but a demand from a party that has lied into this position. If Donald Trump had been President, he might have been able to 'screw' the EU out of this situation, but given the circumstances, the EU has no reason to fall for Johnson's manipulative tactics. They are within their rights to reject this offer and hold the UK to the terms they agreed to.
Consumer and expert opinion suggests that the EU should refuse Johnson's offer because it is fundamentally flawed. Johnson has not made a genuine new offer; he is merely trying to renegotiate the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP). Since no viable alternatives have been proposed by Brexiteers, the EU has no choice but to reject this demand.
A Demand, Not an Offer
The initial response outlines that the UK's offer to continue trading under the agreed terms is essentially a non-offer. It's more akin to a demand from a child who has realized he cannot get his way. The EU, in this analogy, has firm but kindly informed the UK of the consequences of its actions.
Given that Johnson signed the agreement without proper understanding or in bad faith, the EU is in the stronger position. They are not obligated to engage in negotiations unless it is in their favor. It is suggested that any further discussions with the UK government should be avoided until there is a change in direction, perhaps after the upcoming elections. This could prevent the absurd demands and the immoral Johnson regime from twisting any concessions in their favor.
The Path Forward
The EU's stance underscores the need for a change in direction and language. As long as concessions are granted, the false victories claimed by Johnson's regime will continue to be highlighted in their media. The full impact of the Brexit course chosen by Johnson's government will only be felt if concessions cease. Only then might the voting public turn against them.
Countering the prospect of a continued nationalist and populist government, it is hoped that a less extreme government will take over, allowing for open discussions and different flavors of cooperation. The EU's best course of action is to focus on discussions only when there is a clear indication of a change in direction.
Reflecting on the current situation, the EU's actions serve as a cautionary tale. By understanding the lessons of history, and in particular, the experiences of dictators like Trump, Hitler, and Mussolini, the EU can navigate the complexities of Brexit with a more informed and strategic approach.
With ongoing discussions and the eventual change in government, the EU can move towards a more collaborative and adaptable future, ensuring that the lessons of the past do not repeat themselves in the modern era.