Those of you who signed the petition for a second referendum will have received an e-mail response detailing why the government says there will not be a second referendum. Do not despair, this e-mail does remarkably little other than illustrate the government’s lack of understanding of the UK’s workings and the moral obligation of holders of public office to do what is best for ALL of the UK, it’s nations and peoples.

What do I mean by “the government’s lack of understanding of this country’s workings”?

I mean they do not understand that Parliament is the Sovereign authority in the UK, not some angry mob, not the PM, not the Cabinet, not even Her Majesty. The only institution that can challenge Parliament is the Courts, and even then they can only beat Parliament up with its own rules, because Parliament writes the rules, all of them.

As for the fact that the rules for the referendum were already set out, Parliament has the power to undo ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that it has done in the past. Also regarding these rules, it was made clear by said rules that this was an advisory referendum, it does not in any way absolve Parliament from it’s responsibility as final decision-maker.

What moral obligation do holders of public office have?

They have the same obligations as the members of the professions in our society who have the responsibility to protect, inform and guide us.

They have the responsibility, like policemen, to protect us from ourselves if necessary. They have the responsibility, like teachers, to correct us when we are mistaken. They have the obligation to tell the truth and to do what is best, regardless of the cost.

The path of least resistance is not an option for people who wield this amount of power, otherwise we could just nuke the country, that would “solve” everybody’s problems.

Finally, to anybody entertaining the notion that we should follow through on the referendum result just because: that is the epitome of folly. It’s no more sensible than the thought that because you’ve said your going to cut your hand off, you may as well do it.

We have the opportunity to change our minds, only a fool would pass up that opportunity.

By Robert Pigney, SY2E Editorial Staff