2019 – Markell

UK Voters will Decide Anew about Leaving the EU for Good via Another General Election

On December 12, 2019, British voters will once again decide whether the U.K. is to forge ahead with the country’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) even without a deal, or to stay with EU instead. Although the matter had been previously decided in a referendum held in June 2016, in which 51.9 percent of those who cast their vote sealed the approval for Brexit, or Britain’s exit from the EU.

Brexit was supposed to take effect last March 2019, following a two-year period of negotiating a deal that would clearly define the changes that will transpire. The plan was that if a deal could not be reached, the UK will go ahead with the EU withdrawal even without a deal. However, despite the British Parliament’s rejection of the withdrawal agreements negotiated by former Prime Minister Theresa May and later by PM Boris Johnson, there is still no clarity on whether the whole of Great Britain will move forward with a no-deal Brexit

Latest Polls Show UK Citizens are Also Divided Over a No-Deal Brexit

Incumbent Prime Minister Johnson is pushing for the government to proceed with the no-deal Brexit. Yet this particular move has caused a rift even among Conservatives; leaving the no-deal Brexit proposal unsupported by the majority of those in the British Parliament. As recent polls show, most UK citizens have had second thoughts about Brexit, as 34 percent said they would prefer staying with the EU, while only 23% percent favor a no-deal Brexit .

Three times the no-deal Brexit was kept at bay, as the UK government stalled on that decision by requesting extensions of the deadline for the finalisation of a Brexit deal. The final extension though is set on January 31, 2020, but this time, the extension will be time used for holding a general election; giving the UK citizens another chance to decide whether to stay with the EU or to go ahead with the no-deal Brexit.

Withdrawal of Extradition Bill : Will it End Carrie Lam’s Hong Kong Woes?

Sep 5, 2019David ReynoldsUncategorizedCarrie Lam, Extradition Bill, HK Protest Movements

The 3-month long protest actions that have been embattling Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam may possibly come to an end, or so she hopes. Through a press release, the controversial extradition bill that sparked the civil unrest, has finally been withdrawn by the Hong Kong leader; confirming the exclusive report released last Wednesday by the South China Morning Post.

However, there is still a possibility that protests will continue because protest leaders are now saying that the withdrawal action came a little too late. Too many violent clashes have transpired, with some demonstrators hurt and/or have been arrested. In addition to the extradition bill’s withdrawal, there is now a demand for a full-inquiry that will make the police accountable for the violent outcomes of their demonstrations.

The demonstrations lasted because the HK Chief Executive has a reputation for mincing words, like when she said the extradition bill is “dead” rather than directly state that it will be off the legislation table. Now she is also saying that in addition to the bill’s withdrawal, she will set up an inquiry commission to investigate the root causes on why social unrest ignites in the city, as well as formulate solutions on how to avoid them from happening again.

Yet protesters have three other demands to consider before the civil unrest can be completely called off.

Other Conditions that the HK Chief Executive Must Meet to End Social Unrest

The 3-month long protest movements have attracted international attention mainly because most rallies resulted to violence, despite an attempt by moderate demonstrators to hold a peaceful rally. Protesters are now calling on the government to investigate why the police used aggression in dispersing the demonstrators, which only sparked greater anger among people.

In addition to the withdrawal and the inquiry, other demands on the table include the HK authorities’ characterization of their movements as riots. Mainly because whatever violence that transpired were the results of the police force’s use of unreasonable aggression.

Another concession that must be met is the granting of amnesty to those who were arrested as a result of the violent disruptions.

Finally, protesters are calling on the government to restart the political reform process that had been previously voted down at the Hong Kong Legislative Council. .