No time to rest for Theresa May, as there is a very stormy December ahead. She has to sell her own Brexit plan to MPs somehow. To date, 90(!) Conservative MPs do not agree with the proposed document. Along with criticism from coalition partners (DUP) and opposition parties, Mrs May’s project is under heavy blow.
The first task will be an attempt to reduce the number of dissatisfied inside the Conservative party. Here the responsibility will lie on the shoulders of the “chief whip” of the party, Julian Smith. His task will be to work with a conservative faction and deputy majority. By the carrot and stick, the number of those who are dissatisfied should be reduced to 20-30 people.
Next comes the turn of Theresa May herself. For several weeks, the Prime Minister will visit various regions of the UK, talking about the benefits of the new agreement. Much attention will be paid to traditional media. Appearance of star guests is expected as well. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will arrive in December with an official visit. During a meeting with May, the Japanese leader will officially support the proposed plan. This should reassure supporters of free trade within the party.
A plan has been developed for the case of force majeure as well. Here, the main role should be played by British business. In case of failure of May’s project, the business will try to scare politicians and voters. Namely such strategy was victorious during the referendum in Scotland. Then a week before the vote, many polls began to show an unexpectedly close race. The British authorities have included their economic blitz against the separatists. Virtually the entire business in Scotland said it was feared of economic risks in case of independence of the region.
The same economic blackmail can now save Mrs May’s project.