British parliament must accept Boris’s Brexit deal

Britain’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is one who exudes an infectious optimism. But he faces a herculean task in obtaining parliamentary approval for his historic deal (“Boris strikes EU Brexit deal”, 18/10).

At least, that was my impression, while visiting London, after witnessing the House of Commons’ initial reaction. I saw a mixture of chicanery, frustration, and confusion over its nature and complexity.

One who cut through a veritable witches’ brew was the Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, who reminded MPs of their commitment to abide by the 2016 referendum, one reiterated by both main parties at the 2017 election.

For parliament to refuse Brexit would be an unforgivable breach of faith. Short of a no-deal Brexit — impossible in Britain’s present parliament — Johnson’s deal, despite its flaws, is the best available.

John Kidd, Auchenflower, Qld

Boris Johnson promised that he would rather die in a ditch than go to the EU to seek an extension of time for an agreement beyond October 31. In the end, he would have been forced by law to ask for it if there was no deal on the table by October 17. Now a deal with the EU has been reached, parliamentarians opposed to leaving the EU and who have a majority in the House of Commons, have confirmed that they will also die in a ditch before they will allow a deal to be passed.

Given that this must happen by October 19, the Liberal Democrats’ plan to force an amended Queen’s speech to ensure there will be a second referendum before Brexit occurs now can’t happen. Rebel Tory MPs and cross-party members are apparently planning other obstructive moves calculated to prevent parliament ratifying the agreement.

The instruction to the Prime Minister to ask Brussels for an extension of time, must now be considered obsolete given that the EU has specifically ruled out granting any extension now that an accord has been reached.

Similarly, the threat by Tory rebels to make a positive parliamentary vote on the EU deal conditional on the legislation needed to implement it coming in to force, can only be an empty threat. Nothing, other than a decision to remain in the EU will satisfy the Remainers, and although such an impasse in the Commons would ordinarily be resolved by holding a general election, they are happy to hold on to their existing majority and control the agenda rather than go to the country and risk an electoral defeat by the Tories. Are we looking at the beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning?

Michael Wills, Armadale, Vic

The creation of Northern Ireland in 1921 sowed the seeds of the discontent that have characterised Irish politics ever since. The nature of Irish troubles may change but they never go away. Now it is the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland which is the main stumbling block in putting Brexit into effect. Imagine how much simpler Irish, British and now European affairs would be if the whole island of Ireland was unified under a single government.

Rod Wise, Surrey Hills, Vic

It is shaping up as a bad week for the Left worldwide. Boris Johnson has achieved what his enemies said was impossible — a Brexit deal with the EU. Donald Trump has secured a ceasefire in Syria, Scott Morrison is kicking goals in Australia, Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau are on the nose in their respective countries, and Jacinda Ardern is struggling in New Zealand as her gloss begins to fade.

While all of this is occurring, the Left is still in denial about why it lost the Australian election. Chief among the denialists would have to be GetUp’s Paul Oosting.

Peter D. Surkitt, Sandringham, Vic

Brexit is a two-edged sword. The biggest problem is the Northern Ireland border. Boris Johnson has the most difficult job in the world, especially with the witless Tory MPs who don’t want to carry out the British people’s wishes.

Unfortunately Northern Ireland will always have religious differences when children go to separate schools based on whether they are Catholic or Protestant. I was born there as a Protestant but went to a Catholic school in London. Catholics have more fun.

Marianne Stevens, Halls Head, WA