DEBATE: Has the People’s Vote campaign blown its chance of a second referendum?
Has the People’s Vote campaign blown its chance of a second referendum?
Olivia Utley, deputy editor at TheArticle, says YES.
So, the People’s Vote campaign has imploded. Why?
Infighting has a lot to do with it. Political activism only works when the public can’t see what’s going on behind the scenes – and yesterday, the People’s Vote campaign aired its dirty laundry, with aplomb. The attempt to sack two senior figures, who have refused to go, has made the group a figure of fun on social media, and its cause has been spectacularly overshadowed.
But the seeds of failure were sown earlier. Rather than showcasing fresh, young voices, the campaign has always relied upon ex politicians, redolent of several days before yesterday.
These men (and they’re nearly all men) are deeply unpopular in polite society, and their frequent appearances on national media mean that ordinary people have gradually become alienated from the People’s Vote brand.
Now that there is a Brexit deal to debate, polls would suggest more support than ever for a confirmatory referendum. But ironically, the behaviour of the toxic People’s Vote brigade means that this particular vote has never seemed further away.
Liz Jarvis, a writer, editor, and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, says NO.
The majority of Remainers will have no interest in the internal politics at People’s Vote HQ – they only care about having their say and ensuring that Britain doesn’t leave the EU.
I was one of the million people who marched for a People’s Vote last Saturday, and I was on the doorstep this weekend talking to voters who simply want Brexit to stop. They recognise that even if a deal is ratified, the road ahead will be arduous, and they just want things to stay as they are – with Britain remaining in the EU.
By calling Boris Johnson’s bluff, the Liberal Democrats have ensured that no-deal is off the table, at least for three months. A People’s Vote isn’t possible with the current government because the numbers aren’t there. However, a General Election gives the public the chance to elect more MPs who support one.
A second referendum will become even more likely, because it will be the only way forward.
Main image credit: Getty