The political games of the past few years on Brexit appear to have finally been laid to rest. Those who strived to undermine democracy ultimately lost to that very same democracy. Let us just take a moment, when it mattered that the British people made the right call at the right time. In that one clinical vote by the electorate, our democracy was restored as was our confidence that it will withstand extreme pressure from all sides of the political divide. This is something we should all celebrate. Not many countries would have survived such trauma, and for the UK to do so with such clarity sends the right message around the world.
Can we have 2020 vision for 2020 and beyond? Dare I say, aspiring to secure 2020 vision might be a touch too far even for me! What I would say is that we have started on a trajectory that will bring forth multiple challenges and a myriad of end points for us as a nation. PM Johnson has begun his quest for an end point that will be a great success for the nation, however, the route he selects, and the partners he persuades to join us will ultimately decide where we end up.
In my view I would focus on core UK business of the NHS, education, emergency services, commerce, infrastructure, housing and our security. It’s time to build the nation for the 21st Century, and in so doing, we have the opportunity to get right the mistakes of the past. Fundamental to any such vision is our capacity to grow the economy and make money. Therefore, a thriving nation with high employment will bring in the taxes to pay for our future. Brexit of course does bring with it huge challenges, and many have predicted that we will go bankrupt. I reject such nonsense. There may be a bleep, but comparatively speaking we will see a Europe that is fast diminishing on the economic front. The UK on average will always do better in my view. Align that with our newfound freedom to explore FTAs with leading nations across the globe, and one can see that our GDP growth may well cross 3%. That is huge.
This world has increasingly become one where too many people see their glass as half full or half empty. There is no such thing folks. The only debate is, what is in the glass? My glass is full because it contains hope, opportunity, challenges, threats, resilience, advantages and the brilliance of the British people. The only debate being the proportion of each of these in the glass.
As we end the year on a high, let us endeavour to remember that in 2020 each of us has a role to play in how this nation moves forward. Lament and undermine it at your peril. This is a time when regardless of the negativity, we all have to rise above it and stay focussed. So, here’s wishing all of you a Happy New Year. Raise a glass of your favourite for Her Majesty, the Queen and this country.
(Expressed opinions are personal)
