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A The Brexit deal has been agreed between the UK and the EU, and Boris Johnson hailed it as a “huge, Canada-style deal.” The Guardian asked four people what they thought, some pleased and some not.
‘It’s a complete failure’
Charles Turner of Leamington Spa, professor of sociology at the University of Warwick, is pretty sure of his views.
“This deal is a complete failure, it is very simple. We will not grow as fast as the rest of Europe and I think that by the first half of 2022 we will realize that we will need a much closer relationship with the EU. The Scottish argument for independence will kick in and bring the economic argument to the fore.
“Having reached the edge of the cliff, the UK has decided not to jump after all.
“Instead you will find a steep rocky path down to the stony beach below, with some handrails along the way, and when you get to the bottom you will walk a bit and then you will find that the best thing to do is find another path to take him to the top again, where he will try to resume his journey and possibly catch up with the others who are advancing.
‘I have voted in favor of leaving and I am happy’
Ken Thompson, 75, from the East Midlands, who used to work for the military, civil service and a national environmental charity, is happy with the deal but remains skeptical about the implications of Brexit, despite voting for it.
“I am pleased that an agreement has been reached and that the basis for a long-term relationship with the EU has been agreed. At least it’s a step forward, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief and we can stop running around like headless chickens.
“As with all agreements, there has been a compromise, and I anticipate multiple interest groups will condemn the prime minister. In this regard, I believe that they are incorrect and premature.
“I want to make it clear now that I do not support Boris Johnson. I consider him a mix between a Captain WE Johns [creator of Biggles] character and Billy Bunter, who does nothing for the image of a modern UK.
“I am a little concerned about how it will affect our agricultural sector. We use so much foreign labor, so it could have an impact on us and the workers, of course.
“We could end up as a vassal state and be told what to do. I am very happy to adopt some of the good EU legislation that has been developed, but it must be adapted to us.
“I know that Europe is very divided on sovereignty. While politicians want to present a united front, I think that’s a veneer. It is a possibility that, as we evolve, we will re-enter! Only time will tell. “
‘It’s no better than Theresa May’s treatment’
Charles Lea, 73, from Lancashire, is exasperated. “This deal is a total and absolute sale. Right now, we are still in the EU, so to speak, and the work we are negotiating at the moment is win-win for both parties.
“The deal Boris has signed for us is no better than Theresa May’s. I downloaded it this afternoon and it looks a bit like War and Peace. Boris has given away the fishing. It doesn’t just talk about fishing quotas. You are mentioning specific types of fish and you have completely destroyed the Scottish fishing industry.
“Nobody signed up for any of this. I just don’t understand why you have taken this route. They didn’t give us the full facts and we should have had them before the 2016 referendum.
“This is bad business not only for the UK as a whole, but also for the EU and its member states. This is not the time to gloat or praise yourself, this whole sorry saga will go on and on for years, and there will be no winners. “
‘I’m glad a no-deal was avoided, but I cry silently’
Teresa Curtis, 64, of Stockport, a retired midwife, health visitor, and university professor, is glad that an agreement has been reached, but has strong reservations.
“While I certainly did not enjoy a no-deal scenario, I don’t see any benefit for the UK from this deal.
“We had a strong and mutually satisfying relationship as a member of the EU in which we were stakeholders and we had a voice. We are now merely an appendage, increasingly isolated and irrelevant.
“I am completely outraged by the loss of the Erasmus program, which I saw first-hand during my time at the university as being so beneficial for the participating students. Joni Mitchell’s words: “You don’t know what you have until it’s over” have never sounded so true.
“I am concerned about restrictions on freedom of movement. Insurance premiums will be higher, especially for those over 60. Food prices here will go up and of course there will be job losses, which this unscrupulous government will no doubt seek to blame on Covid.
“I am afraid that the seeds of racism have already been sown and will grow as we become increasingly introspective, and that the cultural norms that we have incorporated into our lives since joining the EU will erode.
“I cry in silence for all the young people whose lives will inevitably be restricted.”
