Brexit campaign resumes: UK faces an existential choice, says David Cameron

Britain’s referendum to decide its fate as a member of the European Union is scheduled for 23 June. Prime Minister David Cameron called this referendum to “settle the European question in British politics” once and for all. Since the date was announced, parties have been campaigning to ’leave’ or ‘remain’ in the EU. Cameron has vociferously supported the ‘remain’ group. This campaigning came to a sudden halt as a mark of respect after the murder of British Labour MP Jo Cox on Thursday. She was stabbed and shot by an attacker and later succumbed to her wounds. The campaign to decide Britain’s membership of the European Union restarted on Sunday after a three-day hiatus following the murder of Cox. A string of polls show that the ’leave’ sentiment is running higher among Britons and a Brexit is a more probable outcome of the referendum. [caption id=“attachment_2843924” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of British Prime Minister David Cameron arriving for an EU summit at the EU Council building in Brussels. AP[/caption] The ‘remain’ supporters have stepped up their campaign and are highlighting the possible outcome of Britain leaving the EU. Two opinion polls show that that ‘remain’ camp is recovering momentum. Before Cox’s murder, polls had shown a surge in the number of those who want a Brexit. Her death became a turning point for the referendum with both sides halting their campaigns for a few days. Cox had strongly campaigned to ‘remain’ in the EU. According to analysts, her death will have a “sobering” effect on the vote campaign. John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, said the ’leave’ campaign in particular may have to tone down its rhetoric. Since then, the ‘remain’ campaign has been gaining momentum. Thomas Mair, who is accused of killing Cox had declared, “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain.” Although the reason remains unknown, some analysts have suspected that the sharp and at times, personal attacks on politicians during the referendum debate may have been the underlined reason. Nevertheless, to quote Prime Minister David Cameron, Britain will face a “lost decade” if it leaves the EU. In an article for the Sunday Telegraph, Cameron described the referendum as an “existential choice” for Britain. “We face an existential choice on Thursday. This country has a big decision to make – and there is so much at stake,” he wrote. “It is simply common sense that if we left, trade would be damaged, and investment in Britain would suffer because businesses would no longer be able to access the EU from Britain in the same way. Our economy would therefore be smaller,” he further wrote. Concisely explaining the terrible circumstances of Brexit, Cameron wrote, “Debilitating uncertainty – perhaps for a decade until things were sorted. Higher prices, lower wages, fewer jobs, fewer opportunities for young people. A permanently poorer country in every sense. How could we knowingly vote for that? I say: don’t risk it.” Even the process of leaving will not be easy. Britain cannot leave the EU immediately. It would remain for up to two years while it unpicks its relations with the continent. Cameron will have to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. If needed, it could even ask for an extension beyond the two years, but all 27 countries would have to agree. The arrangements for the country’s departure will have to be drawn out and accepted by two-thirds of the EU countries. In the days after a ‘leave’ vote, the European Parliament and ministers from EU countries will possibly meet to formulate their response and give out an official declaration to kick start damage control. A summit of the EU leaders is scheduled for 28-29 June, according to the  Time magazine. Negotiations could mean legal and investment uncertainty and might see Britain excluded from the European single market. The Guardian quoted a source as saying that “there’s no appetite for negotiating new terms in the first two years.” Donald Tusk, president of the European Council warned this week that after a Brexit, it would take at least seven years to try and forge a new relationship between Britain and the EU “without any guarantee of success.” Apart from this, further divisions are expected to appear in the EU. Countries with strong allegiance to the UK, like Malta and Poland may plead for caution, reported The Guardian. In a few days, UK may find itself excluded from some EU meetings. The count for the votes will begin at 382 venues across the UK soon after the polling ends around 10 pm on 23 June. Local and regional results will come out overnight before the official declaration of the result on 24 June, reported The Express, UK. Cameron is expected to stand down so a new leader can take charge by autumn, according to The Independent. He will not negotiate Britain’s messy exit from the European Union. 23 June will not only decide the fate of Britain, but also of Cameron. With input from agencies