Spiegel: Exit From Brexit?

Britain, facing a March deadline, struggles to reach agreement on ending its EU membership. Increasing awareness about membership benefits has triggered second thoughts, and some leaders urge a second referendum. Ending Brexit would not be helpful for Britain or the EU, argues Markus Becker for Spiegel Online. Another referendum would encourage ugly rhetoric, with Brexit supporters feeling betrayed and bitter. A divided Britain would be a weak partner, regarded as less than trustworthy by other EU members. “Of course, the idea that British political clowns like Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and Jacob Rees-Mogg might receive their comeuppance in a second referendum is certainly tempting to some in the EU, as is the prospect of keeping a major country like Britain in the club,” Becker writes. “But it would be better for all concerned if the country first spent a few years outside the union.” The British will only appreciate the benefits of membership in the larger EU by experiencing broken promises of populism and the country’s struggle to negotiate competitive trade deals on its own. Britain may eventually reapply for membership, but the EU will want a united and informed partner. – YaleGlobal