When a history of the Brexit shambles comes to be written, the name of one man should stand out as a true hero of the fight to prevent the UK committing a grievous act of national self-harm: Donald Tusk, president of the European Council. In the midst of confusion and gloom, he has given hope to the campaign for the UK to stay.
Last week he played a vital role at the EU summit in Brussels in crafting the skilful compromise that has given the UK Parliament just enough time and space to find an exit from the chaos created by Theresa May and her divided Cabinet.
With the shortest of possible extensions – just two weeks beyond March 29 – he persuaded the Council to hand the initiative back to Westminster to choose between May’s deal, no deal, a longer extension that would enable a People’s Vote, and outright revocation of Article 50 and the whole Brexit process. He called May’s bluff in the insane game of chicken that she has been playing with Parliament, the people, and the rest of the EU.
Yesterday, in a passionate personal statement to the European Parliament, he rounded on those doubters among the MEPs – British and non-British alike – who are horrified at the thought of giving the UK a longer extension to make up its mind.
“You cannot betray the 6 million people who signed the petition to revoke Article 50, the 1 million people who marched for a People’s Vote, or the increasing majority of people who want to remain in the European Union,” he said. “They may feel they are not sufficiently represented by the UK parliament, but they must feel that they are represented by you in this chamber. Because they are Europeans.”
His words were delivered the day after the UK government bluntly rejected the idea of revoking Article 50 on the grounds that “it would undermine both our democracy and the trust that millions have placed in government”. At the same time, May is seeking to thwart the will of her Parliament, block a People’s Vote, and the holding of European elections.
Tusk’s statement is a timely reminder that the fundamental values of the EU include respect for democracy and citizens’ rights. Those who repeat incessantly that a lousy Brexit deal is expressing “the will of the people” should pay attention.