What does history tell us about Brexit?

We're joined by Charles Moore, biographer of Margaret Thatcher and Professor David Edgerton from Kings college London, author of The Rise and Fall of the British Nation.

#Brexit

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[fredhuybens]

According to Charles Moore Brexit is about having a properly functioning democracy (8:40). Well, watching UK politics for the last 3 years this is not exactly what comes to mind to say the least.

[deceptivepanther]

The chap on the left-hand side has mastered the skill of sounding like he knows what he's talking about and the chap on the right-hand side knows what he's talking about (IMHO).

[scottishbombolini]

"How can a democracy be a real thing if you cant chose and get rid of your rulers, and you cant in the European Union"...."but you can leave". Now... do you remember how the EU refused to give permission to the UK to hold is Brexit referendum? No, of course you don't, because that's not something the EU does to member states. But meanwhile, whether Scotland can hold such a referendum depends on Westmistir's permission. You see, that's the difference. Scotland would go from being a junior member of a union where it's told what it can and can't do, to being a voluntary member of a union of 28-or-so partners all roughly equal in their powers and free to run their own affairs... like holding referenda.

[R]

Honestly, all these arguments about democracy.... Democratise the house of Lords and change first past the post elections, and then I'll listen to your anti EU arguments.

[Windkind]

The problem wasn't that the UK "didn't have a Brexit government". Quite the opposite: the problem was that May was _so eager_ to pull this through and signal to her party she will do it, that the UK went into Brexit without any uniform idea what it means. Even up to this point, three years after the referendum people still argue about what it means. Triggering article 50 with out a plan was the dumbest thing I ever saw in international politics (and this is a field with a lot of competition).

I don't care what you think about Brexit, but 52:48 is was too slim for a decisive majority in parliament. Especially if you factor in the turnout.

[Hundredthldiot]

I love these videos. They're so much more interesting and informative than the studio-based partisan arguments. In particular, placing two people who strongly disagree alongside each other on the sofa is a touch of genius.

[nathanandsopa]

These guys are fabulous. It's like a comedy sketch, I could watch them all night. They argue so well together and so politely! I hope lots of producers are watching!

[christianecoughlan]

Only the Eu can protect workers rights and holidays more than 2 weeks a year. Obviously tories do not like that

[DevonMcFarlane]

51 -49 is 50/50 in my book. It's funny how the language always points to 17.x million instead. For me, the key thing in this interview is regardless of who is in power no one has a plan. Saying that they won't know until they get into power is nonsense. If I care about a subject I research it before I'm doing the job. It's outlandish to do otherwise. No one jumps out of a plane without a parachute but here we are, adults claiming otherwise. I give you BREXIT

[xelakram]

Professor David Edgerton speaks eminently good sense.

[srcc]

So a voter who voted to remain in 1979, now wants to leave... he changed his mind over time given different circumstances.... funny that

[praveenvincent]

Britain is having an psychotic episode triggered by right wing fundamentalism.

[richardcope]

Edgerton was awesome. Charles stated that a leave programme was put to the people without a leave Government in place to implement it. That means that the whole of the leave "pitch" was fundamentally and obviously flawed at the time of the referendum.

[You-are-right-but]

The man in the Blue Tie is right. The UK flourished as PART of the EU and was a basket case before it joined

[lsobrien]

We need to see more of Edgerton on TV.

[andrekoster]

"How can a democracy be a real thing if you cant chose and get rid of your rulers, and you cant in the European Union" --- Except that you can! The European Parliament has the power to dissolve the Commission following a vote of no-confidence. I'm still amazed how the basics of the EU are still so unknown.

[hazmania]

Brexit is a religion, it might not have started out as one, but it has damn well become one. Those that believe in Brexit, believe it vehemently, passionately, blindly, furiously and regardless of any facts that challenge the validity & voracity of their belief. Brexit is the new god and like most religions & their gods, it’s the cause of division, dissent and sadly, very probably death, because the anger towards those that refuse to believe, is growing. The less people know, the more stubbornly they know it. Never was the Dunning-Kruger effect more obvious!

[youtubecommentor]

Damn.. watching Charles Moore try to rationalise the Leave position with the usual tired old positions, and getting owned by Prof Edgerton, is amazing if not embarrassing.. great vid!

[alexodusanya]

I sincerely hope this country is humbled and turns aside from its arrogance and pride. If Brexit is the path to serious national humility so be it

[elliethousand]

The Professor is brilliant. By the way, Charles Moore is a journalist, not a historian.