Given the realisation that Brexit leaves a bad taste in people’s mouth and slowly but surely the public are turning against the politicians who are driving the Country off the cliff, its surprising that those who choose a different course of action are not having more success. When asked: Brexit would you vote the same again? It’s clear many people have changed their minds but why are they not being adequately represented?
I think there’s a whole series of reasons. Like a scatter gun I’ve listed a few here bellow. Some are big but changeable, some are small but irritating and others hang around like a bad smell. Here’s my list of mistakes made by pro-European campaigners.
Firstly, recognising that forming ghettos of self-affirming friendly parties hasn’t worked. Multiple voices in multiple places all with nuanced differences makes for chaos and despair. Most of all, the inability to form one big coherent group to rally around still evades us. Yet, pages of history show that one or two great orators can capture a moment and transform a situation. So far, the great British orator to speak forth on Europe just hasn’t got to the right lectern. All I can say is; don’t leave it too late.
Secondly, wasting time arguing with trolls, wind-ups and opponents whose wilfully tactics are to keep other people’s wheels springing on unproductive and soul-destroying activity. It’s so human to want to engage and state why we think and feel the way we do but the web is full of scoundrels who will just tie you up in knots. The fear of the empty chair is real. It is to think that by stepping back one’s opponents will have a free hand. Often the reality is that they will just have an empty room.
Third, is starting off on the wrong foot. That’s accepting to reason on the ground set by opponents. It seems obvious but a great deal of time is spent defensively arguing a point of view from the back foot. I say; Brexiters must justify themselves. Those forcing changes of massive proportions on a reluctant Country must be made to answer tough questions. Where they fail to do so, then that’s the place to shine a bright light.
Fourth, backing down when hit with the nastiest of aggressive insults and vile behaviour. Bullies love Brexit. It gives them an outlet for anger and rage from deep inside. The perpetual blaming of “others” but mostly the EU for everything that make people unhappy is just cheap and twisted. Unfortunately, this taps into something that lingers in the dark condors of human nature. In the end, the only way to deal with this phenomenon is the way to deal with any bully – stand your ground.
Fifth, not presenting HOPE as the vanguard. It fundamental that, to win we need a better plan. Not just a return to the ways of old. Not just a call for calm and stability, although that’s important. Not just to dismiss the concerns of others but something bigger. Projecting a vision of a better Europe where we come together to solve common problems is part of the equation. Standing on the foundations of western civilisation to make a better world Europe can and will succeed. Our best hope is a hopeful vision.
Now my list is random and misses a lot but there are points here that need attention.
John Vincent 
There are two problems. One is that we’re in a supposed democracy and the people have chosen. It is likely that, if they were asked the question again, they would decide differently but we cannot rewrite history. The fact that the decision was made for all the wrong reasons and that reality is showing the full nature of this self-imposed disaster simply adds to the frustration of the 48% of us who wanted to remain. The second problem is that the two main parties are kinda pro-Brexit and the government decidedly is. That’s a sweeping generalisation because if you asked MPs individually you’d get a massive majority in favour of Remain. What is needed is for Jeremy Corbyn to state that the feeling in the country seems to be changing and that he is attuned to those voices (one of JC’s great strengths) for Remain and to change horses, proposing a second referendum. I’m a Labour Party member and there are plenty in the ranks who are talking along these lines right now. Frankly, this is the best choice available because whether we have Tory or Labour governments, Brexit will predictable be a disaster. I think that if Labour wins the next election and has to deal with the fallout of Brexit it will be a bad outcome for everyone. By deciding for a second referendum, JC would get a big boost and with Labour’s policy on tuition fees, I could see a coming together of Labour and LibDems at the next election. In fact, if Labour did change horses, it might trigger an election sooner rather than later. Can’t happen soon enough!