THE title of this editorial is a sobriquet of the Mighty Sparrow’s “London Bridge is Falling Down” calypso. The calypso is about the British Empire, its wealth, its conquering and governance of the world, the might and wisdom of its kings and leaders, which are juxtaposed with another reality: of changing times that have whittled away at its legendary majesty.

There were those who had thought that, with the United Kingdom (UK) referendum on 23rd June on whether to remain or exit the European Union (EU), at the tally of that vote, things would have proceeded smoothly one way or the other. It should now be obvious that the saga is far from over.

With voting showing a divided UK — Britain and Wales voted to exit and Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain — the political machinations are playing out in a manner that is somewhat reminiscent of a tumbling deck of cards. Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, who supported the “remain” campaign — which contradicts with the will of the people — has resigned from office with effect from October, and has made known that activation of the protocol to exit the EU will be done by his successor.

Aside from the exit vote bringing an end to Cameron’s prime ministership, he is not the only leader going out or wanted out in the resulting melee. Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said it is “highly likely” that the Scots would want a referendum to secede from the UK, given that they voted to remain in the EU. The Leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party, Alan Johnson, who also voted to exit, has lost a no-confidence motion brought by the party leadership. He is expected to be challenged for the top spot, though at the time of writing this editorial, he vowed to remain, citing that the vote to remove him was not of the people’s will, but of a few in the leadership rank.

Former Mayor of London, Conservative Boris Johnson, who was a major player in the Brexit (British exit) campaign and was angling to take over the prime ministership from Cameron, was outwitted by fellow colleague Michael Gove, and has withdrawn his bid to lead Britain.

As an aside, it should be said that this entire referendum was sparked by differing views within the Conservative Party on the role of EU to Britain. Gove, whom Johnson fondly refers to as Gover, publicly said Johnson does not have the “team captaincy” he thinks is needed to lead the U.K, and pronounced that he would be running for the office. This announcement is reportedly seen as a surprise to the society, who did not know that Gove had harboured such ambition and betrayal to Johnson, who was counting on his friendship and support in his quest for the office.

In the society, among those who voted to exit, there seems to be buyer’s remorse. Several UK media outlets have reported persons saying they were not fully aware of what they were voting for, and in instances where some voted to exit, they didn’t expect the result to be in their favour. Presently, there is a petition circulating asking for a referendum on the referendum of 23rd June. At the time of writing, it has already garnered four million signatures.

In the EU, the top leaders, right out the gate, called on Cameron to activate Article 50 of the EU Treaty to ensure exit soonest, though Cameron has opted to pass this responsibility on to his successor. In trading relations, though a vote for EU exit also means exit for preferential treatment, and where Britain is the EU’s largest trading partner, the nation still wants to continue to enjoy the benefits such association would guarantee. Since the result of 23rd June, the British Pound has depreciated by over 30 percent, bringing it to its lowest value since 1985, and taking with it decline in stocks and other trading portfolios. Yet, notwithstanding internal turmoil in the UK, the nation has allies who have committed to stand with it and continue trading. The first among those was the United States (US); though President Barack Obama said on Thursday that if in fact Brexit happens it could affect global growth, on announcement of the 23rd June result, he made known the UK and USA relationship is “enduring” and trade between the two nations will not be hindered.

In the case of Guyana, a former colony of UK, Vice President and Minister of Foreign, Affairs Carl Greenidge, has assured the UK will continue to do business with us.

The EU has an Economic Partnership Agreement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which also allows Guyana, as a member state, to benefit from preferential treatment outlined in the agreement. It is fair to say that between now and the time it takes to formally exit the EU — reportedly at least two years — there are likely to be more sequels. Both within and without of the UK, there will be governments, interest groups and individuals who will continue to weigh in and offer commentaries. Among their major reasons for doing so is because the UK is seen and valued as an important friend and ally in human development and global affairs.