I do not think there has ever been a petition that has created such a response. What does it mean?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people in the country who are furious and feel betrayed?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who feel they have been lied to and manipulated?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who are frightened for the future and feel this is one huge mistake?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people with genuine concerns about the economy, human rights, justice, jobs and the future of the country?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people grieving for that future Britain that was outward looking, tolerant and looking to cooperate internationally to solve global issues, such as migration, poverty, the environment, fundamentalism?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who despair at the way we have let an extreme right-wing government with Farage, Johnson, Fox and Gove to get in through the back door?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who are looking with dread at the possibility of the break-up of the UK?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who are dismayed at the break-up of the EU?
Perhaps there are millions of people who do not want to be isolationist, inward looking, putting up walls and fearful hiding away?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who are watching with anxiety as Putin gathers his forces and are in dread of another war in Europe?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who are fearful that companies and banking start moving out to Paris, Frankfurt and Berlin leaving us a shrinking nation with no power, money or influence?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who think that without the international cooperation we are more susceptible to terrorist attack, pollution and environmental degradation?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who don’t want to live in Republic Farage?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who are worrying about how they will cope with rising prices, higher interest rates and being a lot poorer?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who believe that ‘Project Fear’ will soon be ‘Project Fact’?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who feel that the public have been conned, lied to and duped. That the leaders of Brexit sold the country down the drain for their own personal gain and lust for power?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who are appalled by the gung-ho xenophobia and racism of an element of nationalists?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people infuriated by the campaign that was racist and promoted fear and hatred?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who do not trust politicians, the establishment or any of our leaders?
Perhaps it means that there are millions who are beginning to doubt democracy?
Perhaps it indicates that the nation is now broken, divided and on the verge of anarchy and revolution?
Perhaps it means that there are millions who feel that the people voted out for the wrong reasons, that they did not appreciate the implications of their actions, and did not see what would happen down the line?
Perhaps it means that there are millions who feel that decisions of this magnitude are too complex to be put to the public and should have been dealt with by politicians?
Perhaps it means that there are millions who are furious with Cameron for putting this forward in the first place for party political reasons rather than the good of the country?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people furious with Boris for being such a turncoat for reasons of his own ambition?
Perhaps there are millions of people who are frightened at the spectre of Britain becoming the next Greece?
Perhaps there are millions of people who believe that Merkel and Hollande will do everything they can to make us pay in order to keep the other European countries in check?
Perhaps it means that there are millions of people who are so angry, frightened and frustrated that they have to vent their emotions?
Well – as I finished writing this the petition passed three million. That is an outpouring of fury like has never been seen before.
I do not think that anyone is really seriously believing that this mess can be undone now. But I am not sure what the implications are. It is obvious that many believe that this has broken the country and I can’t see how it can ever be repaired.
Two things are certain – we need a change of Labour leadership and a general election!
I can readily agree with a lot of that, no problems there.
However, can I just reflect on the point about these Tories getting “in through the back door”.
The Tories had won the last general election using the same process – a vote. I think it was a landslide vote.
That how it goes isn’t it?
You do have an alternative. Move to Scotland!
I’d hardly call the Tory victory a landslide. They slipped through because of the collapse of the LibDems and the rise of the SNP if I recollect. The Tory vote was 37% if memory serves. But as you say – they slipped in through the back door. The majority of the population despise them and have never voted for them. The irony is that the LibDems were punished for going into coalition with them and going back on their principles.
I think the Tories still rule in Scotland and the economic crash will still have an impact there. Perhaps Portugal or Greece would be better. Nice climate too. If it wasn’t for the kids we’d be off like a shot.
Whatever it was, where was Labour?
I don’t think a million and a half or so SNP votes could do much damage to the choice of Westminster leadership.
It’s too few a number in the grand scheme of things.
Scottish election results don’t sway Westminster to the Tories and it was always Labour before and SNP for the last 5 years or so in Scotland. The Tories are nowhere in Scotland really, despite a 3 seat gain last election.
Whilst there are some very good Tory run local councils they aren’t the majority by any stretch.
I simply had repeated your phrase of “slipped in…” as opposed to me actually saying that they had, as this was the reason for my comment – winning by the vote!
Yeah, it’s a tough call I guess with grandchildren considerations. But you’ve done your bit and needn’t feel guilty seeking the sun.
Labour wasn’t good enough. Milliband was too wet and not seen as a PM. They need a credible leader.
The Scottish Labour MPs were missed. It would have tipped the balance a little.
Might join the rest of British companies and head off into Europe. It’s our children and grandchildren that hold us.
From what we’re hearing over here, a lot of people were just unhappy with the way things are and voted to leave ONLY to make a point, never suspecting that would actually happen.
Quite probably. A lot of others assumed it would be remain and simply did not vote.
That’s very possible there were some who did so. But how many?
That we’ll never really know and it’s all guesswork.
It’s also quite an easy jibe to construct isn’t it?
And it’s not as if UK had only been in the EU for 5 minutes, dipped it’s toe and said, nah.
We’d been there 40 years.