PGS Offers a Brexit Stress Kit

by Christopher Clark

The fears around Brexit are shared by some, whereas victory seems near for others, it was time for a quiet sit-down and balanced discussion dealing with peoples’ fear over Brexit, that was the hope anyway. In a similar way to Brexit, tensions simmered in the build-up to PGS’ Brexit #Stressxit talk, however, they were dealt with in a more productive way.

 Questions had been emailed in, but audience members also heavily contributed. The first question was given to the youngest member of the panel, Luke Hooper: ‘What is your greatest fear with Brexit?’. The answers to this ranged across the panel, from possible medicine shortages to a no-deal. Audience participation soon arrived in the questioning of shortages, whether this was another tactic put forth by ‘Project Fear’?. Mr Burkinshaw gave his opinion that the government had a responsibility to inform of possibilities, and that this was preparing for the worst case scenario, which he stated was always the best option. 

The move into the possibility of the second referendum was a more divisive topic, would it give greater clarity or just add to the muddle of opinions and counter democracy. The point that the entire panel agreed on was lowering the voting age, Mrs Erricker suggesting that if 16 year olds could have a job and pay tax, then they should also be able to vote. Another point was that the voting age for the Scottish Referendum was lowered, as they realised that it would affect the younger generation more than the older generation, could this be true for Brexit? 

Mr Lemieux brought up an article he had read that suggested the voting age be lowered to the age of 10, many do not fully understand the issues that they were voting on, and neither would 10 year olds, but they have an opportunity. 

The most divisive issue was definitely the second referendum, which rose again, the issue being that even if people did not fully understand the issue that they were voting on, would it be countering democracy if this was not respected and a party reversed this decision. However, the second referendum could help to clear up whether people wanted a deal or not, or whether Brexit was still the popular option. 

Overall, the talk helped provide clarity for a political decision that could have the greatest ramifications for Britain since the Second World War, or it could be an unparalleled success for Britain. Hopefully, in the same way as this panel, all will be revealed.