David Cameron’s Euro Referendum ‘gamble’ has failed spectacularly, says a top Huddersfield academic.
Dr Pete Woodcock, head of politics at the University of Huddersfield, said the Prime Minister had no option but to quit.
“David Cameron’s resignation is understandable”, Dr Woodcock said.
“It was his referendum – he sought the renegotiation and the referendum was to deal with political divisions.
“It was a gamble that spectacularly failed and has made his position untenable.
“Boris Johnson, however, took some time to make a decision and his gamble has paid off well as it’s likely that the next leader will come from the leave camp.”
See how the vote is shared across the country
Dr Woodcock said the referendum has also shown up Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s weaknesses.
“Corbyn’s campaign was lacklustre – most people didn’t know Labour’s official position,” said Dr Woodcock.
“But the high London remain vote may be his saving grace.
“The mainstream parties got a kicking – they were the most implicated in this.”
A big unknown is how EU countries will react to the decision.
“It’s hard to know which way it will go”, said Dr Woodcock.
“Most European countries would like us to be in the EU.
“We’ve also go to bear in mind that the EU is not going to want to make it easy for us to leave in case other countries are sniffing around for a referendum of their own.
“But at the same time, it isn’t in any country’s interests to be too punitive to us.
Read more:
Read more:
“I don’t think there will be a lot of petty point scoring as we are a big trading partner to the EU.
“My bigger concern is if the multinationals with head offices in UK decide to move elsewhere in Europe.”
He highlighted concerns over any attempt to repeal freedom of movement between Britain and EU states.
“I think that we will stay with the freedom of movement – Boris is in favour of this continuing”, Dr Woodcock said.
“The moment that people can’t come and go freely would be an absolutely horrific one, especially concerning visas.
“Our first steps now are to give our notice.
“Until we leave the EU, we will continue to reap all the rates and benefits for the foreseeable future, so people travelling there should not be worried.
Dr Woodcock reflected on the potential of a fresh Scottish independence referendum.
“If I was a Scot I’d be very annoyed as they overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU”, he said.
“Demands for a referendum will be strong and understandable.”
