John Locke – commonly known as the “Father of Liberalism” – was born in Wrington, England, on August 29, 1632.
In his Two Treatises on Civil Government (1690), Locke refuted the idea of absolute authority. Although his immediate target was monarchical power, his argument applies to any form of absolute authority. Authority – whether that of the monarch or Parliament – must always be limited by law.
… Which brings us to maybe the best argument against Brexit: the fact that in Britain the concept of Parliamentary Sovereignty still enjoys widespread support.
Parliamentary Sovereignty is the idea that Parliament can do anything in its legislative capacity – “Sovereignty” means unrestrained power – and that individual rights and the courts must yield to that democratic imperative.
Membership of the European Union implied an end to Parliamentary Sovereignty because the British Parliament was now bound by European law. After Brexit this check will be gone.
… Nevertheless, I’m slightly more optimistic than pessimistic about the long-run effects of Brexit.
Let’s hope the best.