Yahoo News Queen urges Britons to find 'common ground' as Brexit crisis deepens
The Queen has appeared to enter the Brexit debate by urging Britons to use ‘respect’ and ‘find common ground’.
In a veiled comment about the divisive crisis which has shaken British politics for the last two years, the monarch also pleaded for people to respect ‘different points of view’.
Royal watchers said there could be little doubt that Her Majesty’s comments, made in a speech to mark the centenary of the Sandringham Women’s Institute (WI), were referring to Britain’s exit from the EU.
The Queen said in her speech: ‘The continued emphasis on patience, friendship, a strong community focus, and considering the needs of others, are as important today as they were when the group was founded all those years ago.
‘Of course, every generation faces fresh challenges and opportunities.
‘As we look for new answers in the modern age, ‘I for one prefer the tried and tested recipes, like speaking well of each other and respecting different points of view; coming together to seek out the common ground; and never losing sight of the bigger picture.’
Her comments came just days ahead of a crucial vote in the House of Commons next Tuesday on a deal for Britain to leave the European Union, which it is scheduled to do on March 29.
They also echoed the message of her Christmas Day address.
Commentators were likely to see her words as a nod to the toxic mood of the public debate around Britain leaving the EU.
Parliament remains deeply divided over the way forward, with politicians on all sides engaged in bitter wrangling as the date for Britain leaving the EU draws ever closer.
Meanwhile Theresa May is trying to get widespread political backing for a Brexit plan that could command a majority in the Commons after her deal was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs last week.
MPs will get another chance to vote on Mrs May’s proposed deal on January 29, but it is yet unclear if she can get a Commons majority to back her.
And some MPs have tabled an amendment that could Article 50, the process by which the UK leaves the EU, suspended until at least Christmas.
If passed that amendment will be legally binding on the government
The Queen attends a meeting of the her local WI once a year at West Newton village hall as part of her winter stay on her Norfolk estate.
Could Her Majesty’s words end the Brexit bickering? Analysis by Yahoo UK Royal correspondent Danielle Stacey
As Head of State, the Queen has always remained politically neutral, but there have been a number of thinly veiled references to Brexit since the 2016 EU referendum.
She first alluded to the issue during a speech at the State Opening of Parliament in 2017, in which she stated: ‘My government’s priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union.’
And now the Queen has urged people to seek ‘common ground,’ as the nation and Parliament remains divided.
She echoed the sentiments of her Christmas message in which she spoke about respect: ‘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.’
The younger royals have also embarked on various royal tours to European countries, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to Germany and Poland in 2017, in what has been seen as a part of Brexit diplomacy drive.
As the UK edges closer to a no-deal Brexit, could Her Majesty’s words encourage politicians to end their bickering to find the best solution?
