Past Present Future PPF+: More of What You’ve Been Missing!
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Sep 3, 2025 Robert Saunders, a historian known for his expertise on British politics, joins David Runciman to explore the profound aftermath of the 2016 Brexit referendum. They discuss how Brexit has reshaped the UK's political landscape, leading to a constitutional crisis and shifting public sentiments. The conversation also touches on the complexities of governance in a fragile parliamentary environment and highlights the emergence of smaller parties reshaping political engagement. It's a fascinating dive into the ripple effects of a single political decision.
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The Minister Who Never Quite Resigns
- In In the Loop the minister Simon Foster repeatedly hovers on resigning but never does, illustrating political posturing.
- He clings on until his resignation would make no difference, showing cowardice dressed as principle.
Resignation As Moral Clarity
- Robin Cook's resignation speech contrasted with the satire of In the Loop as genuine moral clarity.
- Cook argued the public's instincts should be trusted and correctly predicted the war's long-term damage.
Brexit Broke More Than It Fixed
- The 2016 Brexit referendum unleashed unresolved forces by instructing 'leave' but not on terms of exit.
- That ambiguity strained parties and institutions and pushed British politics toward breakdown.
