Star Comment: Tough EU exit talks lie ahead
We made our first application to join the European Union in 1961. And after twice being vetoed by the French, first in 1963 and then in 1967, Britain was eventually accepted. It took until 1973 to formalise matters but within two years Europe had proved to be so contentious that a referendum was held.
Sound familiar?
This week will go down as a key moment in European political relations as we begin our long goodbye from the EU.
And while such a momentum occasion will prove to be one of the banner headlines of 2017, the decision of the 52 per cent could well have wider implications. The European project may well be is in a do-or-die phase. As right wing, populist parties continue their march, a French think tank has warned that the leaders of France and Germany must revitalise the European Union lest it further fragments.
It is too early to say how history will judge Theresa May’s triggering of Article 50, yet many seem to accept that Britain is set for a Hard Brexit and will open a new chapter in its relationship with the EU.
Since last summer, political commentators and the general public have listened to the mantra that Mrs May, David Davis and others will secure the best possible deal for Britain. Now, as negotiations surrounding our departure begin, we will start to understand what that will look like.
Will Britain bend over backwards to retain some of the advantages of EU membership. Or will we call the EU’s bluff if it starts to play hardball and simply walk away. Will we be brave enough, or sufficiently foolhardy, to imagine that they need us as much as we need them?
Mrs May will want to strike a good deal with the EU to ensure relations – so crucial to our economy, our security and our way of lie – are able to continue and that the transition is handled as smoothly as possible.
It will not be easy. Margaret Thatcher, renowned for being one of our toughest leaders, was reportedly reduced to tears as she sought a better deal for the UK. If this is true, then Theresa May needs to steel herself for some tough talking and hard negotiating – the British people and our economy needs her to emerge from these negotiations with a deal that suits the best interests of this country.
