As soon as she entered 10 Downing Street, the current Prime Minister, Theresa May, coined the phrase: "Brexit means Brexit." And then followed a discussion about what Britain's EU exit should look like. Suddenly it became fashionable to use the terms "hard" or "soft" to state what type of exit from Brussels the Government may implement. And then she announced at last year's Conservative Party Conference what Brexit truly means: a full withdrawal from the trading bloc. This means quitting the Single Market and the Customs Union.
This declaration sent the pound to its lowest level since 1985 and many were surprised a politician who campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU now wanted to withdraw from it completely.
But as she said in July last year, "Brexit means Brexit."
Since last year's party conference, she has encountered enemies on both sides of the political spectrum, ranging from Tory MP Anna Soubry to Labour's Stephen Kinnock. Their protestations provoked the Prime Minister into calling a general election this year to enable the electorate to award her with a majority strong enough to legislate for her "hard" Brexit plans. Unfortunately the gamble backfired as Remainers and Kippers flocked towards Labour. Although she u-turned on her original position not to call an early election, her decision is now perceived as stupid, though it would have been viewed as a noble one had she won the landslide many anticipated.
Theresa May has gained a reputation for performing a series of u-turns
Rather like her predecessor, Theresa May has gained a reputation for performing a series of u-turns. From choosing not to call a general election to capping the winter fuel allowance, the list goes on. However, when it comes to leaving the EU, she has demonstrated some conviction.
David Cameron failed to prepare for a Leave vote. This left the Prime Minister with the unenviable task of establishing a Brexit department designed to draw up contingency plans ready for Britain's withdrawal from the trading bloc in a hurry. Despite this, her timetable for leaving has been consistent from the start. Even a court battle with Gina Miller did not distract Theresa May from her end goal.
She was still able to trigger Article 50 in March as planned.
People should realise she has stuck to her guns
Even after receiving a crushing general election defeat, she is still adamant Britain will leave the EU in its entirety. Because of her poorly managed campaign, Theresa May no longer has the majority to legislate for her plans. The question is not how committed she is to Brexit, but how she intends to deliver it. If she has a majority of MPs against her policy, the UK may well have to resort to a transitional deal until 2022.
People should realise she has stuck to her guns on Brexit. If there is one consistent belief Theresa May has, it is that the UK will thrive once it quits the trading bloc.
