Sunak Picks Brexit Fight With His Own Party

Summary

The script discusses UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's proposal to screen future UK laws for trade friction with Northern Ireland. This angers Brexit hardliners as it risks future divergence from the EU. The proposal also invites criticism from senior Tories like Kemi Badenoch who want to position themselves to replace Sunak. The Tories don't care about Northern Ireland so the proposal is politically risky. Sonak is playing with fire as it will amplify divisions within his party right before an election where unity is needed. The proposal seems politically insane as it cannot help but create conflict.

Takeaways

• 😒 Rishi Sunak's plan to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland goes against Brexit and divides his party
• 😟 The Tories don't care much about Northern Ireland or the DUP
• 🤔 For the Tories, Brexit is now just about sovereignty
• 😠 Kemi Badenoch opposes Sunak's plan and may challenge him
• 😬 Sunak's plan invites criticism from his party and media allies
• 😡 The Tories will never get rid of the NI Protocol or Irish sea border
• 🤨 Northern Ireland is not a priority for the Tories
• 😤 Sunak's plan is politically dangerous before an election
• 😩 His plan cannot help but create rifts in the party
• 😞 Sunak did not seem to consult his election strategist on this

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses how UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's plan to restore power sharing in Northern Ireland has exposed divisions within his Conservative Party.

How does Sunak's plan relate to Brexit?

Sunak's plan involves screening future UK laws to ensure they do not create trade friction between Britain and Northern Ireland. This could limit the UK's ability to diverge from EU regulations post-Brexit.

Why is the Northern Ireland protocol an issue for hardline Brexiteers?

The Northern Ireland protocol requires checks on goods crossing the Irish sea from Britain to Northern Ireland. Hardline Brexiteers see this as undermining British sovereignty.

Why might Kemi Badenoch oppose Sunak's plan?

Badenoch is positioning herself as a future party leader. She may oppose the plan to bolster her credentials with hardline Brexiteers in the Conservative party.

Why does the video say the Conservatives don't care about Northern Ireland?

The Conservatives have few political interests in Northern Ireland. It complicates their Brexit plans and they only care about areas that enrich them.

What does the video say is the only benefit of Brexit left?

The only claimed benefit of Brexit left is the notion of sovereignty and controlling the UK's own laws.

How could Sunak's plan impact the next UK general election?

It could divide the Conservative party and damage its chances in the election by exposing internal splits.

Why does the video say the Conservatives will not remove the NI protocol?

Removing it could trigger a trade war with the EU. The NI protocol was needed to avoid this.

How does the video portray the DUP?

As 'useful idiots' who were used by the Conservatives until no longer needed.

What does the video say about Sunak's election strategist?

That Sunak likely did not run this plan past his strategist, as it seems politically damaging.