Hospitalization only strengthened the position of Boris Johnson in the political arena of Britain.
Now he is closer than ever to the most unpopular decision of all that can be taken in the midst of the corona crisis.
This was said by publicist Teresa Rafael in her article for the Bloomberg agency on Wednesday, April 15.
According to her, the coronavirus epidemic mercilessly went through many areas of the UK, but has not yet “pushed it off the Brexit road”. As you know, relations between the kingdom and the EU are currently in transition. This time was supposed to be spent on negotiations on future trade cooperation, but the dialogue was “frozen” in connection with the pandemic.
“Now everything looks like a hazy dream from another life”, – Teresa Rafael notes.
According to the IMF, the drop in the UK gross domestic product this year will reach 6.5%. The UK Independent Fiscal Responsibility Authority makes gloomy forecasts, saying the economy could contract 35% in the second quarter and 13% in 2020.
“Even if Brexit’s influence is negligible compared to viral shock, increasing the suffering seems brutal”, – the publicist continues.
She recalled that, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, Britain could request a one-time extension of the transition period for one or two years. This must be done before the end of June, and London has plenty of justifications. Moreover, the British government has shown insolvency in the fight against coronavirus, which casts doubt on its ability to reach an agreement with the EU in a matter of months.
“There are acute issues related to fisheries that are still far from being resolved, complex issues related to transport, data exchange, recognition of professional qualifications, technical barriers to trade, financial services and the so-called “equal playing conditions” requirements from the EU”, – the author clarifies.
And even if the deal is concluded, the question remains: is Britain torn by the epidemic capable of strengthening border control by January, implementing the terms of a complex customs and border agreement, as well as a new immigration system? The problem with Britain is, Rafael says, that Boris Johnson will surely stick to Brexit.
“Nothing can stop him. He has an irresistible parliamentary majority, and, like almost all officials involved in this crisis, his popularity has risen sharply, especially after his recent hospitalization. If someday an unpopular decision will be made, then probably now”, – the author states.