Brace, brace, brace… there is severe turbulence ahead of us

A new reality has dawned. To the east, a hostile Russia. Now to the west, an isolationist USA, seemingly uncommitted to NATO or free trade (inasmuch as can be gathered from Trump-speak). And yet, in such extraordinarily challenging times, the UK is turning its back, for good, on the EU… 

As far as Brexit is concerned, once the UK government has decided what its approach will be, surely it needs to get a mandate from the whole country to take this forward? Theresa May would demonstrate true leadership by swallowing her pride and not triggering Article 50 until she has this. And one simple way to accomplish this? Call a snap general election.

While referendums leave many voters feeling robbed, general elections not only clear the air, but also force all parties to draw up manifestos and make pledges on which the winner would be held to account.

So, Mrs May, never mind your promise not to go for an election before 2020, break it for the sake of the people and welfare of the country. To deliver the Brexit that people voted for, you need both your own mandate and, given your tiny majority, more parliamentary room for manoeuvre. Go for an election and shut them all up. It may even get rid of Corbyn, shut that windbag Clegg up permanently and stop Blair sticking his oar in.

With a national consensus behind you, you would then be free to start divorce proceedings with the EU. With one proviso, however. A senior EU official involved in the Brexit negotiations has warned the UK about spoiling the EU’s grand 60th anniversary bash next March: “The Brits have been warned NOT to send the Article 50 letter too close to the big party on March 25.” 

Good to know they have their priorities right, eh? Maybe Article 50 should be sent by DHL courier on the Ides of March 2017 (ie. March 15). Nothing like celebrating the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC to drive the message home. Better still, how about April Fools’ Day?

Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘No Way Back,’ ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.99;£0.99) and iBookstore. All profits to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity.