THE HINDU Editorial Vocabulary-January 26, 2017- Topic 2

Towards clarity on Brexit

The condition the U.K.’s highest court has stipulated for London to trigger Article 50 of the European Union treaty removes any shred of doubt about the legislature being bypassed in giving formal shape to the Brexit vote last June. The crux of the majority opinion is that there needs to be parliamentary endorsement in the form of primary legislation, not merely a ministerial decision or action, for the activation of the exit provision. 

In arriving at this position, the justices relied on the reasoning that Britain’s domestic laws would be significantly and substantially altered as a consequence of the impending termination of its membership of the EU. The stance of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative government, which appealed an earlier ruling, was that once the people had spoken their mind in the June vote on whether to remain in or leave the EU, the executive could exercise the royal prerogative on matters of foreign policy. The opposition, on the other hand, had emphasised the propriety of a parliamentary consultation process before taking the country out of the EU, in the same way that its entry to the European Economic Community in 1973 was duly authorised by legislation. Ahead of the vote last year, the Leave campaign had alleged a serious erosion of national sovereignty within the bloc on account of the process of law-making initiated in Brussels, unmindful of scrutiny by a directly elected parliament across the bloc. It therefore seems only proper that members of Parliament are taken into confidence while the government sets out to give effect to the popular verdict in what was, after all, a legally non-binding referendum.

In the U.K. there is little political appetite remaining to attempt a reversal of the June vote, evident from the opposition’s intent to press amendments rather than challenge the Brexit legislation that has now become imperative. Thus, as Ms. May's March deadline to kick-start Article 50 approaches, there is more clarity over the shape of the U.K.’s withdrawal from the bloc. British and European businesses may see London’s move to leave the single market as unpalatable, but the near-term future is far less uncertain. Ms. May, in her landmark speech last week, was quite explicit that national controls over immigration from the EU and independence from the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice were redlines for her government. It remains to be seen how London and the EU strive to strike the best possible bargain in the months ahead to promote their mutual interests. For, as Ms. May has emphasised time and again, the U.K. is leaving the European Union, not Europe.

Vocabulary

Stipulated: demand or specify a requirement, typically as part of a bargain or agreement.

Example: He stipulated certain conditions before their marriage

Synonyms: specify, set down, set out, lay down, demand

Shred: tear or cut into shreds.

Example: Shredded cabbage

Synonyms: chop finely, cut up, tear up, grate, mince

Crux: the decisive or most important point at issue.

Example: The crux of the matter is that attitudes have changed

Synonyms: nub, heart, essence, central point, main point

Endorsement: an act of giving one's public approval or support to someone or something.

Example: When Litan asks consumers that question, she finds that banks get the highest endorsement , with support from 47% of the public.

Synonyms: support, backing, approval, seal of approval, agreement

Substantial: to a great or significant extent.

Example: Profits grew substantially

Synonyms: considerably, significantly, to a great/large extent

Prerogative: a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.

Example: Owning an automobile was still the prerogative of the rich

Synonyms: entitlement, right, privilege, advantage, due, birthright

Scrutiny: critical observation or examination.

Example: Every aspect of local government was placed under scrutiny

Synonyms: examination, inspection, survey, study, perusal, investigation

Appetite: a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food.

Example: He has a healthy appetite

Synonyms: hunger, ravenousness, hungriness, taste, palate

Imperative: giving an authoritative command; peremptory.

Example: The bell pealed again, a final imperative call

Synonyms: peremptory, commanding, imperious, authoritative, masterful

Unpalatable: not pleasant to taste.

Example: Where this turn of the story tastes unpalatable is the assumption that politicians win only by using muscle power.

Synonyms: unappetizing, unappealing, unsavory, inedible, uneatable

Explicit: stated clearly and in detail.

Example: The speaker's intentions were not made explicit

Synonyms: clear, plain, straightforward, crystal clear, easily understandable