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Queen calls for Christmas calm in Brexit storm
LONDON, Dec 24, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Queen Elizabeth II will call for respect
and civility in a Christmas message delivered with Britain badly divided over
its impending exit from the EU.
Tuesday’s annual television appearance gives the 92-year-old monarch a
rare chance to share some personal thoughts about Brexit.
British royalty traditionally steer well clear of politics — a unifying
position that puts them above the daily fray of Westminster and Downing
Street.
The queen will not make an overt reference to Britain’s departure from the
European Union after 46 years on March 29, according to extracts released by
Buckingham Palace.
But she will note that “even with the most deeply held differences,
treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always
a good first step towards greater understanding.”
Her address caps a stormy month that saw Prime Minister Theresa May survive
a leadership challenge attempt staged by her party’s most hardened foes of
the EU.
May’s entire Brexit strategy is in danger of falling apart at the finish
line when parliament debates it next month.
The prime minister was forced to pull a scheduled December vote on her
deal with the EU after admitting that it would badly lose.
May penned a Christmas opinion piece in which she urged lawmakers to end
the saga and let people “focus on what really matters”.
“The sooner MPs agree the right Brexit deal, the sooner we can all get
back to dealing with those issues and building a country that works for
everyone,” May wrote.
Opposition Labour party leader said in his own pre-recorded address that
Christmas was a time to ponder how “we can build a fairer society which works
for everyone”.
– ‘Never out of date’ –
Britain’s split from the EU without a trade agreement threatens to
unleash economic doom over the short term.
Those who back Brexit say it is a price worth paying for regaining
sovereignty from officials in Brussels who subject Britain to their own
rules.
The debate over the whole thing is as emotional and personal for many as
it was the day Brexit was backed by a 52-48 margin in a 2016 vote.
The nation has been holding an unending argument ever since.
The queen will say that the message of peace carried by the birth of Jesus
in the Christmas story was particularly relevant now.
“I believe his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all is never out
of date.
“It can be heeded by everyone; it’s needed as much as ever,” the queen
will say.
The queen’s 66-year reign has seen her government run by 13 prime
ministers dating back to Winston Churchill.
Her longevity and good humour have made the queen into one of the most
popular people in a country that loves to poke fun at other royals.
But her age has forced inevitable thoughts about the transition that will
see Prince Charles — the queen’s less popular 70-year-old son — take charge
of Buckingham Palace.
The queen will say that she drew strength from her family as times changed
and the political sands shifted.
“Through the many changes I have seen over the years, faith, family and
friendship have been not only a constant for me but a source of personal
comfort and reassurance,” the queen will say.
BSS/AFP/RY/1605 hrs