Dan O’Brien: Protocol is the last piece of the Brexit puzzle for the next British leader

A new prime minister taking office without Europe as a major issue could result in British politics settling down quickly — and the focus turning to Northern Ireland

Cut and run: Britain was seen as the ‘awkward partner’ of the EU and maybe it leaving is a relief all round. Picture: Getty

British politics appears embroiled in endless rolling crises, with wave after wave of scandal washing over Boris Johnson, the prime minister. Where will it end, and what are the consequences for this island?

Whenever political, economic or societal matters are involved, looking at parallels is instructive. Twenty years ago, as Germany’s economy continued to stagnate, it gained the reputation as the sick man of Europe. It was led by Gerhard Schröder, who, upon leaving the ...