Political experts are arguing about whether the recent British general election does, or does not, demonstrate the delivery of a ‘Brexit benefit’.
One faction argues that there is a demonstrable Brexit benefit, because a significant political change at the election was achieved without riots, arson, burning cars and smashed up police stations. They argue that Brexit has allowed Britain to distance itself from the political excitabilities often seen in Europe. The disturbances in France, after their recent election, for example.
The opposing faction argues that there is no Brexit benefit. They say that the more sanguine approach of the Brits to political change has been part of the national character for a long time. They argue that the so-called benefit was there before we joined the EU, during our membership, and after Brexit.
Both factions are, however, agreed that the current status quo may be tested by the recent election of a small number of hard right MPs. They are concerned that the hard right might wish to underline their political views with some ‘spontaneous’ riots. Even if this does then invite comparisons with politics in foreign countries…
The continuing saga of the party headed by Nigel Farage, which in its time has been called the Referendum Party, UKIP, the Brexit Party and most recently the Reform Party, took another turn today as it was renamed the “D’yer know what?” Party.
The party’s newest name is said to be based on a verbal tic of its glorious leader, where he prefaces his answer to almost any question with “D’yer know what?” to give the impression he’s cutting through the Westminster BS and telling it like it is, no matter how absurd and evasive the answer he goes on to give.
“D’yer know what?” said Farage, when asked about the name change. “We’d noticed people were starting to take the piss. Even my own staffers were writing the phrase at the start of every speech. Yes, of course I employ speechwriters - why do you ask?
“So then - d’yer know what? - I thought rather than fighting it, I’d lean into it instead. I got that phrase from a book I found in Trump’s gold-plated lav. It’s by some American bird - quite good, considering.”