United Kingdom voters went to the polls Thursday in an election that could ultimately decide the fate of the country's separation from the European Union.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson - the face of the "Leave" campaign in 2016 - failed to deliver a Brexit deal by an Oct. 31 deadline. Instead, he chose to leave the U.K.'s future in voters' hands.
Johnson's main opponent, Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn has promised another referendum on Brexit, should he win the election.
Many Atlantic Canadians live in the U.K., while many British ex-pats now call this region home.
With that in mind, SaltWire Network reached out to Alexander Ross, a Nova Scotian living in London, just after he cast his ballot in the election.
Tell us your thoughts on the election in the comment section below this article on SaltWire.com.
Q&A
SALTWIRE: Can you offer a quick explanation of who you are and why you are in London?
ALEXANDER ROSS: I am a Nova Scotian who has been living in London for the past two years, I came originally to study and am now working for a clean-technology company based at London Bridge.
SALTWIRE: What's the atmosphere like there today?
ROSS: From my perspective, living and working in central London I feel that this election is coming as part of a drawn-out political drama that people are generally tired of watching. The discourse around the Brexit process, its negotiation, and the political capability of first Theresa May and now BoJo's Conservative Party has generally been met with little excitement. Many comments also focus on how divisive the focus of the election is, with people unhappy on both sides of the argument.
On a typically rainy London day, prospects around Brexit and the near-term political future seem gloomy.
SALTWIRE: What's it like to be a Nova Scotian in the UK for this historic election?
ROSS: As a Nova Scotian, I am eternally optimistic about Britain's place in the world! Fortunately, as a Commonwealth citizen and UK resident, I am eligible to vote and cast a ballot on my way into work this morning (for the Brexit Party ...just kidding).
This process, which has really illustrated the ugly side of UK politics also makes me feel fortunate to hail from Nova Scotia, where politics are generally less polarized and people can come together to agree on big issues. I am basically a walking advertisement, encouraging everyone I meet to move to NS!!
SALTWIRE: Any predictions?
ROSS: My view is that this will always be known as the election that decided the Brexit outcome. Whether we get another referendum, Boris' deal, or whether we crash out without a deal. In any case, some exciting times ahead (might have to retreat home sooner than planned).
Want to join the conversation? Comments are open on this story at SaltWire.com.
More on the U.K. ELECTION
- Johnson wins 'huge' mandate for swift Brexit in UK election
- Victory for nationalism: Johnson's win puts UK's future in doubt
- How Boris Johnson’s election gamble paid off
- Brexit relief for UK economy might not last long
- Brexit now inevitable, but we should keep ties close: Merkel ally
- Explainer: Reality check for Johnson's Brexit - it's just the beginning
