Ruth Davidson says Brexit deepened divisions and expects another Europe vote
Ruth Davidson said she expects another referendum on Britain’s relationship with Europe eventually, but hopes it will not happen in the next few years. The former Scottish Conservative leader said the Brexit and Scottish independence votes divided people into opposing camps and damaged UK politics.
Davidson argued that Britain should address economic and social problems before revisiting constitutional questions. She warned that if Andy Burnham’s Labour Party sought to rejoin the EU without a public vote, the SNP could use a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament to argue for leaving the UK without another referendum. Davidson also left open the possibility of returning to frontline politics if the Conservatives form a future government.
- Davidson expects another Europe referendum eventually but dreads its divisive effects.
- She says Brexit and independence votes damaged UK politics.
- She warns that rejoining without a public vote could fuel SNP demands.
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Ruth Davidson is a senior Scottish Conservative politician who previously led the Scottish Conservative Party. She is now commenting on the political impact of Brexit, Britain's 2016 decision to leave the European Union following a public referendum.
The 2016 Brexit referendum produced a sharp divide, with Scotland voting to remain in the EU whilst the UK as a whole voted to leave. Similar divisions were created by Scotland's 2014 independence referendum, which asked whether Scotland should leave the United Kingdom.
These two referendums have left Britain with enduring tensions between those who support closer ties to Europe and those who do not, and between those who want Scottish independence and those who prefer the UK to remain united. Political figures continue to grapple with these divisions today.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those supporting another referendum argue that circumstances have substantially changed since 2016—economic costs are now evident, public opinion has shifted markedly, and successive generations of voters deserve a say on fundamental constitutional questions. They contend that democracy permits reconsideration when material facts change and public sentiment shifts genuinely, and that respecting voters' current views is more important than treating a single past vote as permanently binding. Revisiting the question, they argue, represents the proper function of democracy rather than its erosion.
The case against
Those sceptical of another referendum argue that holding multiple votes on the same question undermines democratic legitimacy and invites endless constitutional re-litigation. They contend the 2016 result was clear and demands respect; the proper response is implementing it whilst the country heals and addresses genuine problems like NHS waiting lists and the cost of living crisis. Another referendum would deepen existing social divisions, they warn, diverting focus from the practical governance the nation needs.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson says Brexit vote ‘broke’ UK politics and DREADS another referendum”.