That nobody in the population at large has a moment spare to think about the distraction of Brexit, in the midst of a double crisis, each segment of which is on a scale hitherto unseen, is likely to be an understatement. Yet Brexit is still there and, unless the government implodes, there will be no extension beyond December 31st for negotiations about a UK free trade agreement with the EU. The expectation in the EU is that the UK will cave in and sign up to some fudged deal which leaves it subject to key EU rules and behaviours. That seems most unlikely without astonishing U-Turns all over Whitehall.
So a hard Brexit is very much on the cards. As one who is opposed to Brexit hook line and sinker, I am nevertheless persuaded in the new post Covid 19 world, it may not be such a bad thing. The reason I am inclined to think this heresy is that we will face the massive task of rebooting the UK economy to climb out of the economic crater caused by the pandemic. The public mood will certainly no longer go with long hours, two jobs, low pay and a world ruled by estate agents. Instead it will want real jobs, bigger money, cheaper better housing, public services which can deliver because they are fully funded and an end to NHS waiting lists. All of that will require government investment in infrastructure, communications, start-ups, home manufacturing, green industries and transport, on a scale which will violate every rule in the EU’s book.
But it will transform Britain and preserve the Union.
Think about it.