The three Brexiteer’s and Theresa May are preparing the UK for a hard Brexit, and the signs couldn’t be more obvious. David Davis – The Secretary of State for leaving the EU, has made it clear that MP’s will not have a vote on the terms of Brexit.
Philip Hammond, perhaps the more pro-EU of the team has been warned by backbench Eurosceptics to support the Brexit stance or face losing his job.
And Boris Johnson has been rather quiet in recent weeks, perhaps he’s having doubts about the promises made during the Leave campaign. Or perhaps he’s realised that exiting the EU is going to be a tough, tough time which if executed poorly, could cost him dearly.
The people voted to leave the EU and Theresa May is certain she can speak on behalf of the 52% that did, but the reality is far more complex than a simple yes or no vote and could cost the UK billions.
The latest headline this morning focuses around George Osborne’s findings during the Referendum, stating that leaving the EU entirely could cost the UK 9.5% GDP, or £66bn to be precise. Yet David Davis is certain that the UK will thrive outside of the single market, and has promised trade deals with other nations to fill the financial gap left behind.
But bridging the gaps will take time, trade agreements take time and the UK does not have the luxury of time on its hands.
From what we’ve seen so far, the Eurosceptics will get their lifelong wish to leave the EU at the expense of the economy and as it stands, no one will have a say on the terms. The vote to leave the EU was entirely democratic but the terms of the vote are being dictated to by a Government the people never voted for.
Where does this leave the Pound? There is nothing certain about the future of the UK and the value of Sterling reflects this. Unless a miracle takes place before Article 50, Pound to Euro parity is looking more prominent.