Who Should Bear the Blame for Brexit: Cameron, Johnson, May, or the British Public?

Since the 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom has been in a state of significant political turmoil due to the outcomes of Brexit. The question of who is accountable for this political mess has sparked much debate, with many pointing fingers at former Prime Ministers David Cameron, Boris Johnson, and Theresa May. However, the situation cannot be simplified to a single individual; rather, it involves a series of flawed decisions and misinterpretations of voter sentiment.

The Role of David Cameron

David Cameron originally introduced the Brexit referendum as a strategy to appease internal party rebels, believing that the failure to secure a referendum on the issue would silence those within the Conservative Party who were Eurosceptic. However, Cameron severely underestimated the level of public support for leaving the European Union, particularly among Labour party voters. This miscalculation ultimately led to the UK’s decision to leave the EU, a decision that had far-reaching consequences. Cameron's subsequent justifications for the need to hold the referendum sound suspiciously like a post-facto excuse, betraying a lack of foresight and preparation for the outcome.

Boris Johnson: Riding the Brexit Wagon

Boris Johnson's role in the Brexit saga is also significant. During the run-up to the referendum, Johnson toured the country to promote the supposed benefits of leaving the EU, and his enthusiasm was met with large crowds wherever he went. He made promises of national autonomy but failed to provide clear, concrete details. Johnson's decision to publicly support the pro-leave and pro-remain columns without a clear stance further illustrates his incompetence in the political arena. Despite his initial campaign for the UK to remain in the EU, his last-minute shift demonstrated a lack of genuine commitment to either side of the argument.

Theresa May and the Unenviable Task of Reconciliation

Theresa May inherited the fractious consequences of the Brexit vote, tasked with bridging the divisions within her own party and negotiating a Brexit deal that would minimize economic damage. Her approach was marked by a lack of clear strategy and a tendency to make hasty decisions with little long-term planning. May's handling of negotiations and internal party dynamics was subpar, resulting in a series of poor decisions and a chaotic political landscape.

The EU Referendum Act 2015 and Its Flaws

Philip Hammond, the then-minister for the EU Referendum Act 2015, also bears significant responsibility. The drafting of the Act was flawed, with no provisions for a leave victory. This carelessness resulted in a significant amount of uncertainty when the leave option won. The Act did not provide specific options for voters, did not detail legislative steps for Parliament, and lacked an implementation plan. This oversight contributed significantly to the political and economic chaos that followed the referendum.

The Role of MPs and Political Parties

The 2015 MPs who voted for a poorly designed referendum, with few exceptions such as the SNP, also share a portion of the blame. The Liberal Democrats, who first supported the referendum in 2015 and then sought to undo its outcome in their 2019 manifesto, also contributed to the confusion and lack of coherence. Their failure to compromise on the CU option and the defeat by just three votes further illustrates their inability to navigate the complexities of Brexit negotiations.

Conclusion

The blame for the Brexit mess cannot be pinned on any one individual. From David Cameron's miscalculation to Boris Johnson's incompetence and Theresa May's poor strategic decisions, the situation is the result of a series of flawed decisions and missteps. It is a collective failure that reflects the broader issues within British politics and the interplay between electoral strategy, public sentiment, and political leadership.