For the first time, I admit I am worried that the Rejoin campaign might be gaining some traction.
1. There is the constant refrain that Brexit has damaged the UK economy,so constant that it is a normal part of discourse on news and current affairs. Briefings for Britain have argued constantly that this argument is false, that it is based on comparisons with the growth of a strange sample of other countries, including the USA and New Zealand,not just those in the EU, and that Brexit is the only factor deemed responsible for slow growth. For the public,and those who shape public opinion it is much easier -- we have a low standard of living,and we left the EC...
2. Any attempt to point to growth in the UK economy is now flawed because growth ( and economic freedom) is linked to the development of AI. But no-one likes AI. The Tech Bros themselves warn that it might kill us if not just make us redundant.
3. Stories have re-emerged that Russia interfered with the Brexit Referendum,from no less than the new Prime Minister ( a committed Rejoiner). This has been denied or modified by the Chair of MI5 but suspicion lingers. Russia,meanwhile has become a serious threat, while the USA has ceased to be a strong ally we can depend on instead of Europe. We need Europe to defend us against increased Red Threats. The assumption is that Trumpism will endure,of course.
It might happen by stealth in Burnham,gets his way.Closer economic alignment ( whatever that means) first. There are still red lines though like freedom of travel, but a softer version is already being proposed -- freedom of travel for European students, a revival of Erasmus, which would be pretty popular with EdBiz of course.
We can only hope that the Burnham Bounce will subside cynicism/realism will prevail...
