It is not inconceivable that MPs could ignore the wishes expressed in the referendum and decide to keep Britain in the EU. After all, at some point the means of leaving has to be put to a vote of Parliament. If Brexit does not get through, it doesnt happen. Which bit of parliamentary sovereignty do people not understand?
But what is constitutionally possible is politically improbable. More likely, because this could secure a majority in Parliament and stop the UK cracking up, is that we leave the political bits of Europe and stay in the single market, perhaps by joining the EEA.
This might entail a deal on immigration, possibly a return to the original Common Market idea of free movement of labour, not of people. But our erstwhile EU partners would need to agree to change the rules; and it will mean seriously disappointing those who voted Leave thinking they would stop immigration outright. They will be angry. And where will they turn? We havent heard the last of Nigel Farage.
Jean-Claude Juncker to Nigel Farage: "Why are you here?"
Why are you here? asked EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. There is no doubt Mr Farage was here to savour his moment of glory.
He pointed out to the assembled MEPs that he had first arrived 17 years ago when he told them he wanted to lead a campaign to get Britain to leave the EU.
They laughed at him then but they certainly werent laughing now.
His other purpose was to urge that there should be a pragmatic, sensible, grown-up, realistic approach to a British-EU trade deal which would be in everyones interests.
Whats more it was important that Article 50, which triggers the process of formal exit, should be implemented as soon as possible.
Any unnecessary delay would be a cause of additional uncertainty. He is right.
To delay Article 50 while the Conservatives put a new prime minister in place may suit David Cameron who can effectively pass the buck but it is not in the best interests of the country.
Delay would allow Remainers to look for ways to hold a second referendum or seek deals which would compromise Brexit.
There are undoubtedly trade-offs to be done but let us leave Brussels in no doubt that Britain is definitely standing by the results of the referendum.
Welcome all criminals
How was Latvian murderer Arnis Zalkalns allowed to enter Britain where he sexually assaulted and killed 14-year-old Alice Gross in August 2014 before hanging himself?
The inquest now underway into Alices death has heard that foreign criminals entering the UK were not routinely checked by the police.
This admission was made by Detective Superintendent Mick Forteath even though figures show that at least 200 foreigners were being arrested every day in London alone.
This, said Alices mother Rosalind Hodgkiss, has destroyed much of our faith in our countrys ability to protect its citizens.
The ease with which undesirable European nationals have entered Britain is a scandal. Less open borders would mean more rigorous checks.
Its as simple as that.
Had the monster Zalkalns been kicked out as he tried to get into the UK, Alice Gross would still be alive today.
Oldest cat in the world
A TABBY called Nutmeg is 31 and believed to be the worlds oldest cat.
A mere kitten when Mrs Thatcher was prime minister he has lived through many earth-shattering events none more exciting than those of the past week.
Belgium: Nigel Farage speaks to the European Parliament - FULL SPEECH
Yesterday, with my fellow EU commissioners, I attended the extraordinary session in the European parliament. Some photos particularly of my right hand and videos have spread on social media. You will have seen me grimacing and trying to hide my despair while Nigel Farage spoke.
I have enjoyed reading the many comments and can confirm that I do indeed appreciate British humour. But as tweets were exchanged I felt it was important to share some more serious thoughts on how I felt in the parliament.
I was, and still am, fully with all the British people. I am with all those who voted against financial speculation uncovered in the Panama Papers and with those who voted against unemployment and decreasing standards of living. However, sadly, many votes will have been influenced by the lies spread by some representatives of the leave campaign.
Nigel Farage tells MEPs: most of you have never done a proper job video
I am also with those who voted to remain in the EU, who want to create a better future for their families, and who believe that it is possible together, united in diversity, to fight against corporate greed and fraud perpetrated by financial transnational capitalism.
Toxic untruths spread by Farage and others, such as claims that money Britain contributes to the EU budget would be used for investments in healthcare, have now been revealed as lies.
Related: Farage is now Britains face at the EU: petty, unlovable, essentially terrified | Marina Hyde
In my heart, two symbols of this referendum remain both of them are very different. One is the assassination of Labour MP Jo c*x, and the other is of Jonathan Hill.
Jo c*x was killed because of people instigating hate, chauvinism and phobias. These are brutal forces infecting our democracies, destroying security and the values we hold so dearly in Europe.
Lord Hill was decisive, and stepped down. This is an example of moral self-determination, taking responsibility and embracing the consequences. This is in stark contrast to the actions of some others who personify political hypocrisy.
Britain is changing. Young people in Scotland, Northern Ireland or London want to see a different future. The EU is changing as well. For me its future lies in social justice and security. This is the way forward. And only together, with the EU member states, with the European parliament, and with a decisive European council avoiding the cacophony and constant bashing of Brussels can we achieve this together.
Republished with permission from Vytenis Andriukaitis. The original blogpost is here.
