The Brexit Rubik’s Cube

On the podcast: Inside the British campaign for a second vote on leaving Europe.

By , the executive editor for podcasts at Foreign Policy.
A man protests against Brexit outside the Houses of Parliament in London on July 5. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
A man protests against Brexit outside the Houses of Parliament in London on July 5. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
A man protests against Brexit outside the Houses of Parliament in London on July 5. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

British Prime Minister Theresa May experienced some of the toughest days of her political career this past week. First, she had to postpone a vote on her Brexit plan in Parliament because she didn’t have the support she needed. Then, she faced down a rebellion in her own Conservative Party.

British Prime Minister Theresa May experienced some of the toughest days of her political career this past week. First, she had to postpone a vote on her Brexit plan in Parliament because she didn’t have the support she needed. Then, she faced down a rebellion in her own Conservative Party.

The challenges underscored just how difficult it is for Britain to sever itself from the European Union. As the March deadline gets closer, some Brits are calling for a total reconsideration of Brexit—or even a second referendum.

One of those Brits, Eloise Todd, is our guest on the podcast this week. Todd heads the group Best for Britain, which opposes Brexit.

More from Foreign Policy

An illustration shows the Statue of Liberty holding a torch with other hands alongside hers as she lifts the flame, also resembling laurel, into place on the edge of the United Nations laurel logo.
An illustration shows the Statue of Liberty holding a torch with other hands alongside hers as she lifts the flame, also resembling laurel, into place on the edge of the United Nations laurel logo.

A New Multilateralism

How the United States can rejuvenate the global institutions it created.

A view from the cockpit shows backlit control panels and two pilots inside a KC-130J aerial refueler en route from Williamtown to Darwin as the sun sets on the horizon.
A view from the cockpit shows backlit control panels and two pilots inside a KC-130J aerial refueler en route from Williamtown to Darwin as the sun sets on the horizon.

America Prepares for a Pacific War With China It Doesn’t Want

Embedded with U.S. forces in the Pacific, I saw the dilemmas of deterrence firsthand.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, seen in a suit and tie and in profile, walks outside the venue at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Behind him is a sculptural tree in a larger planter that appears to be leaning away from him.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, seen in a suit and tie and in profile, walks outside the venue at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Behind him is a sculptural tree in a larger planter that appears to be leaning away from him.

The Endless Frustration of Chinese Diplomacy

Beijing’s representatives are always scared they could be the next to vanish.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomes Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman during an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, on June 22, 2022.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomes Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman during an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, on June 22, 2022.

The End of America’s Middle East

The region’s four major countries have all forfeited Washington’s trust.