Here is a
summary of the Indicative Votes (IVs) being discussed today.
It seems that the Norway Option is opposed mainly by Remainers, as it offers a relatively moderate alternative to a "Revoke and Remain".
Given that it does include the freedom of movement, I am not convinced that it will get significant support in either Parliament or the country.
It is worth remembering that Nick Boles, one of the main proponents of the Norway Option/Common Market 2.0, was deselected by his local Conservative Party Association. That shows the amount of hostility in the country (outside the cities and towns) towards a softer Brexit.
alterhase58 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:52 am
Any of the suggestions / proposals, if adoped by Parliament, would have to be negotiated with the EU first.
Given that it has taken us two years to come to this stage, it is fairly obvious that the country is divided. Not only will the suggestions and proposals, approved in an indicative vote, have to be approved by the various stakeholders in the EEA (the various parts of the EU, the EFTA countries, etc), it will also need to be negotiated within the UK itself.
It is also worth remembering that the Norway Option/Common Market 2.0 is only an option after leaving the EU i.e. after the Withdrawal Agreement (including the Irish backstop) takes effect. The issue at the moment is that Parliament can't seem to get past the WA, never mind getting into the nitty-gritties of the Political Declaraion regarding the future relationship (PD).
It is also worth remembering that the European Parliament (EP) elections are due in May this year and the composition of that will dictate the election of a (possibly very different) European Commission. Here is a
projection of seats from Politico. The two largest parties (EPP and S&D) are expected to lose their duopoly, though ALDE (led by Guy Verhofstadt and the EP party the Lib Dems are affiliated to) and the entry of
La Republique En Marche (Macron's party) should make up for the loss of a majority of the two largest parties. But a lot more smaller, more Eurosceptic parties are expected to win seats (even if UKIP is not around).
As an aside, if you are an EU citizen living in the UK, you
may be able to register to vote in EP elections in your home country. Always register to vote and be sure to cast your ballot in all elections in which you have a stake in the outcome.
So, don't hold your breath on the Norway Option/Common Market 2.0.
I am not a lawyer or immigration advisor. My statements/comments do not constitute legal advice. E&OE. Please do not PM me for advice.