by Xinhua writer Gui Tao
LONDON, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Brexit remains a divisive political issue nearly three years after Britons decided to leave the European Union.
The latest evidence came Friday when the results of the local elections in England showed the Conservatives and Labour facing a backlash at the ballot box over Brexit.
With the counting of votes at the half-way stage by daybreak Friday, results showed the Conservatives losing more than 400 seats in council chambers, losing control of 16 town halls, and Labour losing around 90 seats so far.
Smaller parties and independents took seats countrywide, benefiting from the frustration the two main political parties brought by their handling of the central issue of Brexit.
The big winners of the poll have so far been Britain's third political party, the Liberal Democrats, who have won over 300 seats, mainly at the expense of the two big parties.
The Green Party was also the beneficiary of public dissent as thousands of traditional Conservatives and Labour voters turned to it.
Local elections, intended to give voters the chance to choose decision-makers who affect local communities, became the platform where the British people made their voices heard on a national topic.
It is obvious that national politics were a deciding factor for voters suffering from Brexit fatigue. Spoiled ballot papers, proclaiming frustration over Brexit, drove home a clear message of divisiveness and mistrust.
Both the ruling and opposition parties admitted they were dealt blows due to the Brexit deadlock and punished for their handling of it.
The lengthy and unprecedented political event has contributed to the current polarization in both the political landscape and national psychology. Worse still, the sentiment does not break down neatly along the traditional political lines of the Conservative or Labour parties.
Experts have warned that it could be even worse for the two main parties at the European Parliament elections on May 23 if, as expected, they take place across Britain.
Politicians at Westminster have yet to agree on a deal for leaving the European Union amid a deep split among both the parties and also the leave and remain campaigns. Therefore, the Brexit deadline has been postponed twice, and is now extended until October 31.
Besides, the uncertainty that comes with the delayed Brexit has overshadowed the British economy and prospects for foreign investment.
As the Conservative and Labour party managers awoke to lick their wounds, they should also ponder how best to resolve the question causing national anxiety.
