Brexit Is Round The Corner And Opinion Is As Divided As Ever

The question of who must go and who can stay in the UK and what will happen to the British ex-pats in Europe when Brexit eventually happens is still, to some extent, hanging in the air. The government has published guidelines to its European Settlement Scheme, outlining who can apply, the requirements that must be met, how to apply, how the process will work, which other family members will be eligible and what status the European Settlement Scheme will confer. There is a possibility that the prime minister may take a unilateral approach and offer EU migrants all their existing rights including access to the NHS and the benefits system regardless of whether there is a reciprocal arrangement from the European countries. However, this would not be a gesture of benevolence; such an offer would be made to ensure that Britain retains the labour and expertise it relies on.

London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, is keen to reassure UK-resident Europeans that they are welcome and wanted in the capital. Pro-brexit MP Jacob Rees-Mogg supports the idea that an offer of remaining in the UK without a reciprocal arrangement from the Europeans is acceptable. However, former Brexit minister David Jones most certainly does not agree, stating in the Times today, "It's got to be reciprocal. We have a large number of Britons in the EU and their interests have got to be reflected. We have got to look after our own people."

The captains of industry are sharply divided on whether Brexit is a good or bad thing. Tim Martin, founder of Wetherspoons pub chain, is a firm supporter of Brexit, he has already started replacing EU sourced drinks with other alternatives. He believes that the main benefits of Brexit are the avoidance of vast financial contributions to the EU, the elimination of tariffs and the reacquisition of fishing rights. Whereas Julian Dunkerton, who rose from market trader to co-found Superdry, has a...