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Brexit faltering as viewed by Europe + UK needs new party to rescue it from malaise?

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How Brexit is changing the way Europe views the UK (UK community)
https://news.sky.com/story/how-brexit-is...k-11635397

EXCERPT: . . . The Netherlands. This country is one of Britain's closest allies in Europe and a vital trading partner. [...] In The Hague there's an acceptance of Britain's decision to leave the European Union, but disbelief at how the British government has handled preparations for Brexit. [...] Mr Omtzigt, the chief Brexit planner in the Dutch parliament, said: "You would expect a country that has run an empire to be able to do planning one, two or five years ahead because that is what you did when you had an empire. "And now, before a crucial day, we are only two months less and still haven't taken a decision - let alone do implementation."

Germany. Leaving Dutch exasperation behind I gauge the mood in next-door Germany - the largest economy in Europe and the country increasingly charged with shaping the EU's future alongside France as Britain heads for the exit. Politicians at the German parliament have a sinking feeling about the UK.

Some even wrote an open letter in The Times appealing for a rethink. Dr Rottgen, chair of the foreign affairs committee, helped author the letter. He said: "In my heart, I will be very, very sad. [...] In a way we all as western democracies share the same ills… Brexit, (President) Trump, nationalism. On the other side we have seen a leading Britain to be rational and pragmatic and now we see a Britain which is self-absorbed by a self-inflicted political tactical power struggle." He added: "The British voice in international affairs will certainly be diminished."

Germany's loathing of Brexit is in part because it also makes the EU weaker and the burden on Berlin greater to keep European unity at a time of heightened risk.

[...] Estonia. Here the temperature is colder but the attitude towards Britain appears a little warmer. Security is a particular priority here given the country's shared border with Russia. ... The foreign minister is diplomatic when asked for his views on Britain and Brexit. Sven Mikser said: "I am not happy about the UK leaving. I don't think it is going to strengthen the position of the UK in global affairs..."

A 20-minute drive outside Tallinn is the home of Berit Cavegn, a married mother of two young girls who works as a forensic scientist. [...] Berit says she feels safe but the threat from Russia is real. ... She said: "Great Britain has always supported this little country… I do hope somehow the good relations stay."

[...] Switzerland. A different kind of island, Switzerland is surrounded by the European Union but isn't part of the bloc and offers a different perspective on Britain and its future. [...] Professor Ambuhl said his opinion of Britain has not changed because of Brexit and he feels that the UK - like his country - can thrive outside the union. He said: "I think the Brits as the Swiss have a certain importance to sovereignty and have scepticism to rule-taking and both of us in favour of free trade."

[...] Despite Swiss confidence, views of Britain are changing for the worse in parts of Europe. But there is one unifying belief: That the UK will remain a valued ally even after Brexit day dawns...

MORE (details): https://news.sky.com/story/how-brexit-is...k-11635397



UK crying out for a new party to rescue it from Brexit malaise (UK community)
http://www.arabnews.com/node/1450961

EXCERPT: . . . All that the existing political configuration is capable of producing is incoherent vision, constant wrangling and poor leadership. Moreover, it has become clear throughout the Brexit experience that the parties, in their utter disunity, have been expending most of their energy on maintaining a facade, and not a very convincing one, of a united and functioning party. This has become a severe hindrance due to the acute nature of the Brexit calamity. [...] when such disagreements threaten to paralyze not only the party but the entire country, it is imperative for politicians to consider whether they are in the right political home for them, or whether it is it time to either join another party or form a new one.

[...] It could have been expected that the political bloodbath among the Conservatives would serve as an incentive for Labour to stay united and prepare itself as a viable alternative for government. Reality within the party, however, is not much rosier than it is among the Tories. It is as almost as divided over the Brexit issue, and led by an equally weak leader who still claims to believe in “workers of the world unite,” but only as long as they don’t look for jobs in the UK.

Moreover, the row over consistent and allegedly prevalent anti-Semitism within the party, which is wrongly and often deliberately conflated with legitimate criticism of the Israeli government, is making some MPs, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, consider leaving the party. As is the case with Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn’s unconvincing stand on the issue made him look both indecisive and disingenuous. Persistent rumors of a breakaway faction within Labour are hard to ignore, and we might see some of its MPs leave to form a separate party, while the Conservative Party continues to destroy itself from within.

It is hard to imagine how the UK’s political parties could be in such complete denial about their growing irrelevance to most voters, as well as to those who are still too young to vote, let alone about the anger and scorn most feel toward them, as they witness their pathetic performance in handling the country’s affairs in a time of great crisis.

Both big parties are stuck in old debates and formulas. This surely opens up space for a third big party: One that is forward-looking and has more of a global perspective; one that wants Britain to be a global leader, and that recognizes that the great qualities of the British people are enhanced by close engagement with the world, and not by retreating into an island mentality; and one that would govern by being inclusive and that would reward and enable success, but would not leave behind those who need help and support.The political arena is wide open for such a new force that would rise to the challenge and form a political power fit to lead the UK well into the 21st century.

MORE (details): http://www.arabnews.com/node/1450961
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