The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
I always find you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
But you catch even more flies with manure.
Just saying.
In other words, when it comes to being unpleasant go hard or go home.
But even the reporter... Why does he say falsehood? Can't we just call it a lie... Isnt that the kind of straight talking people want?
Yes it was a pity he wasn't more concise. She was almost let of the hook with his dithering about trying to find an inoffensive word. What's wrong with 'lying bastard!'?
Prime Minister after the next GE is an interesting market from Skybet. Note the rules: "Market to be settled on the Prime Minister appointed after the next UK general election, regardless of when this takes place. Any change in Prime Minister before the next election will not be relevant to the settlement of this market."
So, if you think May will be replaced by another Conservative prior to a General Election being held, which he/she will win as incumbent PM , then this bet would pay out.
I'm on Hammond at 100/1, Rudd at 200/1 and Osborne at 200/1.
All of those priced under 100/1 are ludicrous, IMHO.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
I always find you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
But you catch even more flies with manure.
Just saying.
In other words, when it comes to being unpleasant go hard or go home.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
That is, of course, the crux.
Forget the EU. The reason the world has gravitated to a system for trade based around the WTO is that it gives smaller countries rights, and avoids big countries dictating the terms.
In the new world, the strong shall have power, and the weak will be bullied.
But even the reporter... Why does he say falsehood? Can't we just call it a lie... Isnt that the kind of straight talking people want?
Yes it was a pity he wasn't more concise. She was almost let of the hook with his dithering about trying to find an inoffensive word. What's wrong with 'lying bastard!'?
But this worries me about the media... I get that they want to be impartial. But it is not impartial to call blatant lies something else. It lets them off the hook and makes it easy for people to say... Oh they are all the same.
But most politicians don't lie on the level of Trump and I really think he has caught people off guard with this... The media needs to adapt and get comfortable with calling it as it is.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Prime Minister after the next GE is an interesting market from Skybet. Note the rules: "Market to be settled on the Prime Minister appointed after the next UK general election, regardless of when this takes place. Any change in Prime Minister before the next election will not be relevant to the settlement of this market."
So, if you think May will be replaced by another Conservative prior to a General Election being held, which he/she will win as incumbent PM , then this bet would pay out.
I'm on Hammond at 100/1, Rudd at 200/1 and Osborne at 200/1.
All of those priced under 100/1 are ludicrous, IMHO.
That's a very astute set of options, as there are credible paths to Number 10 for all of them between now and the next election. Not likely, sure, but at those odds they don't have to be.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The interview was on the BBC Sunday politics this morning. It's worth watching to see the body language of the democrat sharing the interview with him. Andrew Neil is the best in the business
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
Forget the EU. The reason the world has gravitated to a system for trade based around the WTO is that it gives smaller countries rights, and avoids big countries dictating the terms.
In the new world, the strong shall have power, and the weak will be bullied.
People who mistakenly deride the EU as a recreation of the German Zollverein may be inadvertently cheering on our participation in a US version of the real thing.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
What benefits have Canada lost
Canada has never been an EU member state and so has never been a part of the single market.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
I think it's a bit more complicated than that.
Yes, we can almost certainly get tariff free trade with the US, which will save UK exporters an average of 3%.
The question is what we have to give up to get that. We will almost certainly need to accept the supremacy of US ISDS Tribunals over UK law, we may need to accept a requirement to keep UK intellectual property law in lock-step with the US, and - like with the Australia-US FTA deal - it is perfectly possible that it will be assymetrical with us opening up more of our markets to the US than vice versa.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Hmmm... Interesting.
What do you mean by winning a trade war? And in short term?
If the US does this border tax thing... It won't just be a war with the EU... It will be against all countries... Who would presumably retaliate against the US?
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which opens the UK up to more American goods and services while giving us little in return, will not be any kind of negotiating tool - except for the EU.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
The media love to talk about nothing else than the media...and while they argue over a manufactured drama (by Team Trump) over irrelevant numbers, important stuff like repealing Obamacare gets little attention.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Hmmm... Interesting.
What do you mean by winning a trade war? And in short term?
If the US does this border tax thing... It won't just be a war with the EU... It will be against all countries... Who would presumably retaliate against the US?
By win, I mean that it is likely to be shielded from the consequences of all out trade war for the longest of the major economies. But that will only be a short-term thing.
If I were in Cecilia Malmström's shoes, my absolute number one priority at the moment would be an FTA with Australia, on better terms for Australia than they have with the US.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
I think it's a bit more complicated than that.
Yes, we can almost certainly get tariff free trade with the US, which will save UK exporters an average of 3%.
The question is what we have to give up to get that. We will almost certainly need to accept the supremacy of US ISDS Tribunals over UK law, we may need to accept a requirement to keep UK intellectual property law in lock-step with the US, and - like with the Australia-US FTA deal - it is perfectly possible that it will be assymetrical with us opening up more of our markets to the US than vice versa.
Yes, it will be all of those things. Congress will not allow through any other kind of deal, even if Trump were inclined to want one, which I doubt very much. America First means what it says on the label.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
What benefits have Canada lost
Canada has never been an EU member state and so has never been a part of the single market.
I know that obviously but a Canada deal would suit our requirements as far as I am aware
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
The media love to talk about nothing else than the media...and while they argue over a manufactured drama (by Team Trump) over irrelevant numbers, important stuff like repealing Obamacare gets little attention.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
What benefits have Canada lost
Canada has never been an EU member state and so has never been a part of the single market.
I know that obviously but a Canada deal would suit our requirements as far as I am aware
It depends what you mean by our interests. It would put us outside the jurisdiction of the CJEU, but it would put our trading position with Europe on a much poorer footing.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which opens the UK up to more American goods and services while giving us little in return, will not be any kind of negotiating tool - except for the EU.
Any deal which expands exports to our largest export market will show that the UK has alternatives when the inevitable tariffs from the EU arrive, it is just a question of trying to minimise them
Not subsidising renewables is one thing. Banning them altogether is something else.
Well the average wyoming american citizen will presumably see their electricty bill come down as a result. And I am sure the renewable industry will just decamp en masse to California where they are sure of a warm welcome.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
I do agree with you. I do not want to see any trade wars but our consolation is that Trump is pro UK and we should be able to insert some influence as long as the EU is seeking a fair deal.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which opens the UK up to more American goods and services while giving us little in return, will not be any kind of negotiating tool - except for the EU.
Any deal which expands exports to our largest export market will show that the UK has alternatives when the inevitable tariffs from the EU arrive, it is just a question of trying to minimise them
The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
From a straight economics perspective, I would have thought Germany (and Sweden) were the clear winners from Trumponomics.
Why?
Because the main purpose of Trump's policies are to encourage investment in the US. That there should be US factories producing US products to sell around the world. His corporate tax policies, and in particular the immediate write-off of capital expenditure against tax, are designed to stimulate investment in the US.
Now, where produces capital goods?
Germany. (And to a lesser extent Sweden.) 27% of German exports are capital goods.
If you go into any modern factory (in any country in the world) you'll see the same names on all the machines on the floor: robots by KUKA, assembly lines by Sitec, testing equipment by Zeiss, control software by Bosch and Siemens. Factories are made almost entirely out of Germany machines. They make the machines that make the things you and I buy.
The reason Germany has been a great economy in the last decade is principally because China has gone through an industrial revolution. And that revolution involved buying massive quantities of capital goods from Germany. It's why China runs a trade deficit with Germany.
If the US to make these kind of investments, there's one winner: and that's Frau Merkel.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
What benefits have Canada lost
Canada has never been an EU member state and so has never been a part of the single market.
I know that obviously but a Canada deal would suit our requirements as far as I am aware
Canada is quite protectionist - more so than either the U.S. or the EU. Basic services like mobile phones and banking cost more; you can't register a .CA website address unless you are resident (or the Queen); most of the 1600 pages of CETA deal with Canadian restrictions. A lot of the protectionism is at the provincial level.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
Germany takes approximately 10% of our exports which is significant, second highest in fact, but a 20% reduction in sales there means a 2% reduction in exports. We are not so dependent upon them now and we will be even less so when we are out of the EU.
Germany's problems are not our problems. We have enough problems of our own.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
I do agree with you. I do not want to see any trade wars but our consolation is that Trump is pro UK and we should be able to insert some influence as long as the EU is seeking a fair deal.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
Germany takes approximately 10% of our exports which is significant, second highest in fact, but a 20% reduction in sales there means a 2% reduction in exports. We are not so dependent upon them now and we will be even less so when we are out of the EU.
Germany's problems are not our problems. We have enough problems of our own.
Do you think the rest of the EU will not have problems if Germany does?
Not subsidising renewables is one thing. Banning them altogether is something else.
Well the average wyoming american citizen will presumably see their electricty bill come down as a result. And I am sure the renewable industry will just decamp en masse to California where they are sure of a warm welcome.
Surely utilities should make all decisions for economic reasons? Banning the use of one type - irrespective of cost - is not going to make bills cheaper.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
I do agree with you. I do not want to see any trade wars but our consolation is that Trump is pro UK and we should be able to insert some influence as long as the EU is seeking a fair deal.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
He is absolutely opposed to it
What you mean is that certain people in the US who are climbed on the Trump train are opposed to it and would like to project their views onto Trump.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
I do agree with you. I do not want to see any trade wars but our consolation is that Trump is pro UK and we should be able to insert some influence as long as the EU is seeking a fair deal.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Hmmm... Interesting.
What do you mean by winning a trade war? And in short term?
If the US does this border tax thing... It won't just be a war with the EU... It will be against all countries... Who would presumably retaliate against the US?
By win, I mean that it is likely to be shielded from the consequences of all out trade war for the longest of the major economies. But that will only be a short-term thing.
I think the consequences for USA would be pretty bad. This is all hypothetical of course but EU I think sends 15% of its exports to USA. By contrast if the US applied this border tax to all economies... And they retaliated... Then it's essentially destroying nearly all of its export markets? Unless I've misunderstood?
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will run directly contrary to our interests - we need open markets, not protectionist ways. The policies of Trump's White House really are the most antithetical to the UK's interests we have seen for many a long year.
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to the UK, we are a net exporter to the US. There won't be protectionism per se from the EU post-Brexit - that is not in their interests or ours - but when you leave a club you lose the benefits that go along with membership.
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which opens the UK up to more American goods and services while giving us little in return, will not be any kind of negotiating tool - except for the EU.
Any deal which expands exports to our largest export market will show that the UK has alternatives when the inevitable tariffs from the EU arrive, it is just a question of trying to minimise them
The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs.
Prime Minister after the next GE is an interesting market from Skybet. Note the rules: "Market to be settled on the Prime Minister appointed after the next UK general election, regardless of when this takes place. Any change in Prime Minister before the next election will not be relevant to the settlement of this market."
So, if you think May will be replaced by another Conservative prior to a General Election being held, which he/she will win as incumbent PM , then this bet would pay out.
I'm on Hammond at 100/1, Rudd at 200/1 and Osborne at 200/1.
All of those priced under 100/1 are ludicrous, IMHO.
That's a very astute set of options, as there are credible paths to Number 10 for all of them between now and the next election. Not likely, sure, but at those odds they don't have to be.
'The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs'
The argument that Europe is our largest market is used all the time but does anyone seriously believe that this will disappear after Brexit. As far as I was aware we have a huge trade deficit with Europe so any damage to us must damage them more
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
I do agree with you. I do not want to see any trade wars but our consolation is that Trump is pro UK and we should be able to insert some influence as long as the EU is seeking a fair deal.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
For the US to be dominant it needs smaller nations states to deal with, not big trading and military blocs. An effective EU army would underpin a strong EU: the last thing that Trump believes is in America's interests.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which
Any deal which expands exports to our largest export market will show that the UK has alternatives when the inevitable tariffs from the EU arrive, it is just a question of trying to minimise them
The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs.
The UK is about to enter a trade war with the EU because it refuses to separate control of free movement and access to the single market, hopefully it will be a minor trade war but a trade war it will be nonetheless. The UK exports more to the U.S. than any other nation, having tariff free access to it at this time will at least offset the tariffs from the EU somewhat while of course the UK will respond in kind with some tariffs on EU goods in at least some sectors
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
I do agree with you. I do not want to see any trade wars but our consolation is that Trump is pro UK and we should be able to insert some influence as long as the EU is seeking a fair deal.
The proposed US ambassador of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which
Any deal which expands exports to our largest export market will show that the UK has alternatives when the inevitable tariffs from the EU arrive, it is just a question of trying to minimise them
The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs.
The UK is about to enter a trade war with the EU because it refuses to separate control of free movement and access to the single market, hopefully it will be a minor trade war but a trade war it will be nonetheless. The UK exports more to the U.S. than any other nation, having tariff free access to it at this time will at least offset the tariffs from the EU somewhat while of course the UK will respond in kind with some tariffs on EU goods in at least some sectors
Bloody hell - surely Tory Brexit cannot involve initiating a trade war with our single biggest export market. That would be disastrous. There seems to be very little that the Tories will not inflict on the British people in order to get us out of the EU.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
Germany takes approximately 10% of our exports which is significant, second highest in fact, but a 20% reduction in sales there means a 2% reduction in exports. We are not so dependent upon them now and we will be even less so when we are out of the EU.
Germany's problems are not our problems. We have enough problems of our own.
Do you think the rest of the EU will not have problems if Germany does?
Hard to say. If German exports fell there would be a need to increase domestic demand ( something Germany is very well placed to do if it was so minded) and this might actually help the rest of the EZ. Very little benefit flows to the EZ from Germany's capital good export for anyone except Germany. Over the last 7-8 years Germany has been a parasite on the EZ sucking up demand, creating mass unemployment in other countries and enriching itself at their expense. No one wants serious problems in Germany but a rebalancing of policy would be welcome.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
I'm not sure he will prove to be as anti NATO as he's presently being painted. He's anti NATO freeloaders, like Germany. Germany has benefited hugely from relying on others for its national security ever since 1945. He's right about Germany benefiting from the euro too.
...As far as I was aware we have a huge trade deficit with Europe so any damage to us must damage them more...
Point 1: if the UK and EU get damaged in a trade war, and the UK is less damaged, then that's not a victory, it's just less of a defeat. You're in a burns ward and going "well at least I'm not as burnt as the other guy". Point 2: For the nth time, *both* sides lose in a trade war
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
He is absolutely opposed to it
What you mean is that certain people in the US who are climbed on the Trump train are opposed to it and would like to project their views onto Trump.
How his opinion is formed is not in my gift but he has made it clear there will be no EU army if they want support from NATO
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
He is absolutely opposed to it
What you mean is that certain people in the US who are climbed on the Trump train are opposed to it and would like to project their views onto Trump.
How his opinion is formed is not in my gift but he has made it clear there will be no EU army if they want support from NATO
Do you have a source other than Ted Malloch, who holds no position?
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Hmmm... Interesting.
What do you mean by winning a trade war? And in short term?
If the US does this border tax thing... It won't just be a war with the EU... It will be against all countries... Who would presumably retaliate against the US?
By win, I mean that it is likely to be shielded from the consequences of all out trade war for the longest of the major economies. But that will only be a short-term thing.
I think the consequences for USA would be pretty bad. This is all hypothetical of course but EU I think sends 15% of its exports to USA. By contrast if the US applied this border tax to all economies... And they retaliated... Then it's essentially destroying nearly all of its export markets? Unless I've misunderstood?
A fair point! And doubly so if RCS is right about the need for American manufacturers to import German products.
KNIFE IN THE HEART OF TSE, PTII ==================== I am not locking money up for over 11 yrs to get 10/1, and 1/25 is too short for the alternative.
That's not a knife in the heart, because I've said both bets are unappealing so no bets for me.
Wasn't it Spooner who wrote a note which at the bottom had a postscript saying "ignore this note"?
My favorite is signs that say "Don't read this sign"
There was a "Please don't throw stones at this sign".
- and let's not forget the label on the top of a ketchup bottle - "Do not buy if this label is missing".
Or the classic sign at railway crossings "Beware of trains going both ways at once."
Please inform us if you do not receive this mail.
When I was about 12 I used to get up early during summer holidays and help my Dad with his milk-round. One morning I picked up an empty bottle on a doorstep containing a note. It read:
"No milk today. By today, I mean tomorrow, because I wrote this yesterday.
True sign on some MoD equipment:
'For safety reasons, this equipment should be stored with the top at the bottom and the bottom at the top. To avoid confusion, the top is marked 'bottom' and the bottom is marked 'top'.'
Edit - and happy birthday @malcolmg. May your natal whisky taste sweet and all turnips be confounded!
If large passenger jets are to be without their engines for some time, they are apparently replaced with large blocks of concrete hanging off the pylons (I presume so the wings remain stressed correctly).
On one picture I've seen, the large concrete blocks are painted bright yellow. Stencilled in black on each block is : "Remove before flight."
I wish I could find the pictures again ...
(This is where someone tells me it was an early Internet spoof)
Even if it's a spoof, it's still funny!
The one that always amused me and no idea if its true or urban myth was the chicken cannon
Apparently so the stories go aircraft windscreens are tested by firing chicken carcasses at them with the cannon and some british company borrowed one from the states but all the windscreens kept failing the test. When the us parent company investigated it was found the brits were going down to the supermarket and buying frozen chicken to fire
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
Germany takes approximately 10% of our exports which is significant, second highest in fact, but a 20% reduction in sales there means a 2% reduction in exports. We are not so dependent upon them now and we will be even less so when we are out of the EU.
Germany's problems are not our problems. We have enough problems of our own.
Do you think the rest of the EU will not have problems if Germany does?
Hard to say. If German exports fell there would be a need to increase domestic demand ( something Germany is very well placed to do if it was so minded) and this might actually help the rest of the EZ. Very little benefit flows to the EZ from Germany's capital good export for anyone except Germany. Over the last 7-8 years Germany has been a parasite on the EZ sucking up demand, creating mass unemployment in other countries and enriching itself at their expense. No one wants serious problems in Germany but a rebalancing of policy would be welcome.
Yep - I am sure that's how markets would react :-D
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this Morningside that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large et any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which
Any deal which expands exports to our largest export market will show that the UK has alternatives when the inevitable tariffs from the EU arrive, it is just a question of trying to minimise them
The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs.
The UK is about to enter a trade war with the EU because it refuses to separate control of free movement and access to the single market, hopefully it will be a minor trade war but a trade war it will be nonetheless. The UK exports more to the U.S. than any other nation, having tariff free access to it at this time will at least offset the tariffs from the EU somewhat while of course the UK will respond in kind with some tariffs on EU goods in at least some sectors
I think the tariffs are something like < 3% on average between UK/EU and US. Getting rid of them is not that big a deal. Hopefully UK and EU will come to a sensible arrangement and not get into a pointless fight... But if we do... A deal with the US won't save us.
Welcome to the World of Trump where black is white and white is black.
I know this is a right-wing blog with quite a few nutters but did/does anyone actually support Trump here?
I see no evidence that this is a right wing blog but as far as I am concerned I have many misgivings about Trump but he is talking to an audience that feels left behind and he will have a major impact on politics for good or ill over the coming years
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this Morningside that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large et any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which
Any deal which expands exports to our largest export market will show that the UK has alternatives when the inevitable tariffs from the EU arrive, it is just a question of trying to minimise them
The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs.
The tariffs on EU goods in at least some sectors
I think the tariffs are something like < 3% on average between UK/EU and US. Getting rid of them is not that big a deal. Hopefully UK and EU will come to a sensible arrangement and not get into a pointless fight... But if we do... A deal with the US won't save us.
And all those negotiating will know this; just as the Americans know that we need a trade deal more than they do.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
For the US to be dominant it needs smaller nations states to deal with, not big trading and military blocs. An effective EU army would underpin a strong EU: the last thing that Trump believes is in America's interests.
The EU can never have an effective military of any description because it couldn't pay for it without USA's bucks.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
Germany takes approximately 10% of our exports which is significant, second highest in fact, but a 20% reduction in sales there means a 2% reduction in exports. We are not so dependent upon them now and we will be even less so when we are out of the EU.
Germany's problems are not our problems. We have enough problems of our own.
Do you think the rest of the EU will not have problems if Germany does?
Hard to say. If German exports fell there would be a need to increase domestic demand ( something Germany is very well placed to do if it was so minded) and this might actually help the rest of the EZ. Very little benefit flows to the EZ from Germany's capital good export for anyone except Germany. Over the last 7-8 years Germany has been a parasite on the EZ sucking up demand, creating mass unemployment in other countries and enriching itself at their expense. No one wants serious problems in Germany but a rebalancing of policy would be welcome.
KNIFE IN THE HEART OF TSE, PTII ==================== I am not locking money up for over 11 yrs to get 10/1, and 1/25 is too short for the alternative.
That's not a knife in the heart, because I've said both bets are unappealing so no bets for me.
Wasn't it Spooner who wrote a note which at the bottom had a postscript saying "ignore this note"?
My favorite is signs that say "Don't read this sign"
There was a "Please don't throw stones at this sign".
- and let's not label is missing".
Or the classic sign at railway crossings "Beware of trains going both ways at once."
Please inform us if you do not receive this mail.
When I was about 12 I used to get up early during summer holidays and help my Dad with his milk-round. One morning I picked up an empty bottle on a doorstep containing a note. It read:
"No milk today. By today, I mean tomorrow, because I wrote this yesterday.
True sign os, this equipment should be stored with the top at the bottom and the bottom at the top. To avoid confusion, the top is marked 'bottom' and the bottom is marked 'top'.'
Edit - and happy birthday @malcolmg. May your natal whisky taste sweet and all turnips be confounded!
If large passenger jets are to be without their engines for some time, they are apparently replaced with large blocks of concrete hanging off the pylons (I presume so the wings remain stressed correctly).
On one picture I've seen, the large concrete blocks are painted bright yellow. Stencilled in black on each block is : "Remove before flight."
I wish I could find the pictures again ...
(This is where someone tells me it was an early Internet spoof)
Even if it's a spoof, it's still funny!
The one that always amused me and no idea if its true or urban myth was the chicken cannon
Apparently so the stories go aircraft windscreens are tested by firing chicken carcasses at them with the cannon and some british company borrowed one from the states but all the windscreens kept failing the test. When the us parent company investigated it was found the brits were going down to the supermarket and buying frozen chicken to fire
I think Dara O'Briain has a joke based on that... And claimed that it cam from an audience member I think?
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
I do agree with you. I do not want to see any trade wars but our consolation is that Trump is pro UK and we should be able to insert some influence as long as the EU is seeking a fair deal.
...As far as I was aware we have a huge trade deficit with Europe so any damage to us must damage them more...
Point 1: if the UK and EU get damaged in a trade war, and the UK is less damaged, then that's not a victory, it's just less of a defeat. You're in a burns ward and going "well at least I'm not as burnt as the other guy". Point 2: For the nth time, *both* sides lose in a trade war
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
For the US to be dominant it needs smaller nations states to deal with, not big trading and military blocs. An effective EU army would underpin a strong EU: the last thing that Trump believes is in America's interests.
The EU can never have an effective military of any description because it couldn't pay for it without USA's bucks.
All it needs is an army that keeps the peace in Europe and maintains current borders.
...As far as I was aware we have a huge trade deficit with Europe so any damage to us must damage them more...
Point 1: if the UK and EU get damaged in a trade war, and the UK is less damaged, then that's not a victory, it's just less of a defeat. You're in a burns ward and going "well at least I'm not as burnt as the other guy". Point 2: For the nth time, *both* sides lose in a trade war
point 2 is why it's unlikely to happen. Talking tough is not the same as acting tough
Welcome to the World of Trump where black is white and white is black.
I know this is a right-wing blog with quite a few nutters but did/does anyone actually support Trump here?
I would say this blog reflects quite well the spread of political opinion in Britain. If you think it's particularly right-wing then perhaps you've been operating in a social media bubble..?
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
He is absolutely opposed to it
What you mean is that certain people in the US who are climbed on the Trump train are opposed to it and would like to project their views onto Trump.
How his opinion is formed is not in my gift but he has made it clear there will be no EU army if they want support from NATO
Do you have a source other than Ted Malloch, who holds no position?
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
He is absolutely opposed to it
What you mean is that certain people in the US who are climbed on the Trump train are opposed to it and would like to project their views onto Trump.
How his opinion is formed is not in my gift but he has made it clear there will be no EU army if they want support from NATO
Do you have a source other than Ted Malloch, who holds no position?
It has been reported on several occassions on MSM but I have no actual link, sorry
Yes, we can almost certainly get tariff free trade with the US, which will save UK exporters an average of 3%.
The question is what we have to give up to get that. We will almost certainly need to accept the supremacy of US ISDS Tribunals over UK law, we may need to accept a requirement to keep UK intellectual property law in lock-step with the US, and - like with the Australia-US FTA deal - it is perfectly possible that it will be assymetrical with us opening up more of our markets to the US than vice versa.
And the end of tariff quotas on agricultural products. These restrict the amount that can be sold and keep prices high. Without these there will be widespread farm bankruptcies. Although these may be swept away in our WTO schedules.
Origination rules are problematic for smaller countries that deal with larger countries on their own. So the PTA may allow us to sell bedsheets to the U.S. free of tariffs. The catch is that the raw material cotton has to be sourced either in the UK or the U.S. My hypothetical weaving company was using Egyptian cotton that was cheaper and maybe better. So I switch to U.S. cotton to eliminate my tariffs to that country but incur additional input costs on my sales to other countries. It's less of a problem for larger countries and trading blocks because it's easier to meet the content thresholds using materials from the local market. Thanks to import substitution the Australia U.S. PTA is reckoned not to have increased Australian exports at all.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
For the US to be dominant it needs smaller nations states to deal with, not big trading and military blocs. An effective EU army would underpin a strong EU: the last thing that Trump believes is in America's interests.
The EU can never have an effective military of any description because it couldn't pay for it without USA's bucks.
All it needs is an army that keeps the peace in Europe and maintains current borders.
That's not a knife in the heart, because I've said both bets are unappealing so no bets for me.
Wasn't it Spooner who wrote a note which at the bottom had a postscript saying "ignore this note"?
My favorite is signs that say "Don't read this sign"
There was a "Please don't throw stones at this sign".
- and let's not label is missing".
Or the classic sign at railway crossings "Beware of trains going both ways at once."
Please inform us if you do not receive this mail.
When I was about 12 I used to get up early during summer holidays and help my Dad with his milk-round. One morning I picked up an empty bottle on a doorstep containing a note. It read:
"No milk today. By today, I mean tomorrow, because I wrote this yesterday.
True sign os, this equipment should be stored with the top at the bottom and the bottom at the top. To avoid confusion, the top is marked 'bottom' and the bottom is marked 'top'.'
Edit - and happy birthday @malcolmg. May your natal whisky taste sweet and all turnips be confounded!
If large passenger jets are to be without their engines for some time, they are apparently replaced with large blocks of concrete hanging off the pylons (I presume so the wings remain stressed correctly).
On one picture I've seen, the large concrete blocks are painted bright yellow. Stencilled in black on each block is : "Remove before flight."
I wish I could find the pictures again ...
(This is where someone tells me it was an early Internet spoof)
Even if it's a spoof, it's still funny!
The one that always amused me and no idea if its true or urban myth was the chicken cannon
Apparently so the stories go aircraft windscreens are tested by firing chicken carcasses at them with the cannon and some british company borrowed one from the states but all the windscreens kept failing the test. When the us parent company investigated it was found the brits were going down to the supermarket and buying frozen chicken to fire
I think Dara O'Briain has a joke based on that... And claimed that it cam from an audience member I think?
I heard about it back in the 80's so predates dara o'brien but as i said could well be untrue
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
For the US to be dominant it needs smaller nations states to deal with, not big trading and military blocs. An effective EU army would underpin a strong EU: the last thing that Trump believes is in America's interests.
The EU can never have an effective military of any description because it couldn't pay for it without USA's bucks.
All it needs is an army that keeps the peace in Europe and maintains current borders.
...As far as I was aware we have a huge trade deficit with Europe so any damage to us must damage them more...
Point 1: if the UK and EU get damaged in a trade war, and the UK is less damaged, then that's not a victory, it's just less of a defeat. You're in a burns ward and going "well at least I'm not as burnt as the other guy". Point 2: For the nth time, *both* sides lose in a trade war
Yep, a trade war has no winners and lots of losers, particularly consumers. The USA and EU have big internal markets so have the most resilience to survive. The biggest losers will be developing countries.
Until we Brexit, a USA trade war with Germany is a trade war with us too. That takes through at least the first half of Trumps term. Quite possibly all of it if there is a transitional arrangement that keeps us in the Customs Union for a couple of years.
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
Germany takes approximately 10% of our exports which is significant, second highest in fact, but a 20% reduction in sales there means a 2% reduction in exports. We are not so dependent upon them now and we will be even less so when we are out of the EU.
Germany's problems are not our problems. We have enough problems of our own.
Do you think the rest of the EU will not have problems if Germany does?
Hard to say. If German exports fell there would be a need to increase domestic demand ( something Germany is very well placed to do if it was so minded) and this might actually help the rest of the EZ. Very little benefit flows to the EZ from Germany's capital good export for anyone except Germany. Over the last 7-8 years Germany has been a parasite on the EZ sucking up demand, creating mass unemployment in other countries and enriching itself at their expense. No one wants serious problems in Germany but a rebalancing of policy would be welcome.
You are echoing Trumps comments about Germany
Not intentionally and just because Trump said it doesn't necessarily mean that it is wrong. It's just kind of obvious that the German model exploits its trading partners.
In 2008 or thereabouts someone in Swansea ( council?) sent a note in English to the translation dept to have the sign bilingualised into Welsh as all road signs are here. The English said "Heavy goods vehicle restricted access" or something similar. The translation duly came back quickly with the Welsh version from the translator. This Welsh was duly put on the sign and the sign was made and put in place. Sadly the Welsh said "I'm out of the office at present. Please forward anything for translation".
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Hmmm... Interesting.
What do you mean by winning a trade war? And in short term?
If the US does this border tax thing... It won't just be a war with the EU... It will be against all countries... Who would presumably retaliate against the US?
By win, I mean that it is likely to be shielded from the consequences of all out trade war for the longest of the major economies. But that will only be a short-term thing.
I think the consequences for USA would be pretty bad. This is all hypothetical of course but EU I think sends 15% of its exports to USA. By contrast if the US applied this border tax to all economies... And they retaliated... Then it's essentially destroying nearly all of its export markets? Unless I've misunderstood?
A fair point! And doubly so if RCS is right about the need for American manufacturers to import German products.
I am in the sensor and automation market. Believe me, the US is about 5-10 years behind Europe, mainly Germany in sensor and robotic technology.
I have seen American buyers with their jaws wide open in Hanover and Nuremberg fairs.
Just because a country has a large defence industry does not mean they have a very efficient manufacturing industry.
That's not a knife in the heart, because I've said both bets are unappealing so no bets for me.
Wasn't it Spooner who wrote a note which at the bottom had a postscript saying "ignore this note"?
My favorite is signs that say "Don't read this sign"
There was a "Please don't throw stones at this sign".
- and let's not label is missing".
Or the classic sign at railway crossings "Beware of trains going both ways at once."
Please inform us if you do not receive this mail.
When I was about 12 I used to get up early during summer holidays and help my Dad with his milk-round. One morning I picked up an empty bottle on a doorstep containing a note. It read:
"No milk today. By today, I mean tomorrow, because I wrote this yesterday.
True sign os, this equipment should be stored with the top at the bottom and the bottom at the top. To avoid confusion, the top is marked 'bottom' and the bottom is marked 'top'.'
Edit - and happy birthday @malcolmg. May your natal whisky taste sweet and all turnips be confounded!
If large passenger jets are to be without their engines for some time, they are apparently replaced with large blocks of concrete hanging off the pylons (I presume so the wings remain stressed correctly).
On one picture I've seen, the large concrete blocks are painted bright yellow. Stencilled in black on each block is : "Remove before flight."
I wish I could find the pictures again ...
(This is where someone tells me it was an early Internet spoof)
Even if it's a spoof, it's still funny!
The one that always amused me and no idea if its true or urban myth was the chicken cannon
Apparently so the stories go aircraft windscreens are tested by firing chicken carcasses at them with the cannon and some british company borrowed one from the states but all the windscreens kept failing the test. When the us parent company investigated it was found the brits were going down to the supermarket and buying frozen chicken to fire
I think Dara O'Briain has a joke based on that... And claimed that it cam from an audience member I think?
I heard about it back in the 80's so predates dara o'brien but as i said could well be untrue
Welcome to the World of Trump where black is white and white is black.
I know this is a right-wing blog with quite a few nutters but did/does anyone actually support Trump here?
I would say this blog reflects quite well the spread of political opinion in Britain. If you think it's particularly right-wing then perhaps you've been operating in a social media bubble..?
I think it's because reasonable centre/centre left people get attacked by the far right.
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
If Germany sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the UK gets very poorly indeed. What Trump wants is diametrically opposed to our interests.
Germany takes approximately 10% of our exports which is significant, second highest in fact, but a 20% reduction in sales there means a 2% reduction in exports. We are not so dependent upon them now and we will be even less so when we are out of the EU.
Germany's problems are not our problems. We have enough problems of our own.
Do you think the rest of the EU will not have problems if Germany does?
Hard to say. If German exports fell there would be a need to increase domestic demand ( something Germany is very well placed to do if it was so minded) and this might actually help the rest of the EZ. Very little benefit flows to the EZ from Germany's capital good export for anyone except Germany. Over the last 7-8 years Germany has been a parasite on the EZ sucking up demand, creating mass unemployment in other countries and enriching itself at their expense. No one wants serious problems in Germany but a rebalancing of policy would be welcome.
You are echoing Trumps comments about Germany
Not intentionally and just because Trump said it doesn't necessarily mean that it is wrong. It's just kind of obvious that the German model exploits its trading partners.
The only difference now is that the leader of the free world is saying it
The one that always amused me and no idea if its true or urban myth was the chicken cannon
Apparently so the stories go aircraft windscreens are tested by firing chicken carcasses at them with the cannon and some british company borrowed one from the states but all the windscreens kept failing the test. When the us parent company investigated it was found the brits were going down to the supermarket and buying frozen chicken to fire
Being born within a turbine-blade's throw of Rolls Royce in Derby, we were always told that story, except with jet engines. The story is they fire a chicken into the engine to see how well it copes with bird strikes. Except someone once used a frozen one ...
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Trump is threatening BMW already with 35% tariffs if they go ahead with their new factory in Mexico.
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
I hadn't picked up on Mr Trump's dislike of plans for an EU army. I thought that he'd be glad of such a thing, given that he's none too keen on NATO.
For the US to be dominant it needs smaller nations states to deal with, not big trading and military blocs. An effective EU army would underpin a strong EU: the last thing that Trump believes is in America's interests.
The EU can never have an effective military of any description because it couldn't pay for it without USA's bucks.
EU GDP PPP is bigger than USA (even without the UK) so why can the EU countries not pay for an effective military? They just need to start meeting the NATO 2% minimum. Germany being the single biggest culprit in $, barely paying half its share.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
I always find you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this Morningside that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large et any easier for the EU
Of course the US will prefer to do trade deals with single countries. It gives it more opportunity to dictate terms. A trade war with Germany will effectively be a trade war with the EU. That will
There will inevitably be some protectionism from the EU to the UK post Brexit and visa versa, a potential trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in the Brexit talks
There is no deal that could conceivably get through Congress which will come close to replacing what we lose as a result of leaving the single market. Just as Germany is a net exporter to
Yes so we are leaving the single market as the EU will not allow border control and full free trade so having the prospect of a trade deal with the U.S. at least strengthens May's hand in negotiations
No deal will be done before we leave the EU and then it would depend on what the terms of the deal are. One that essentially leaves us where we are now, or which
Any deal which expands exports to our largest export market will show that the UK has alternatives when the inevitable tariffs from the EU arrive, it is just a question of trying to minimise them
The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs.
The UK is about to enter a trade war with the EU because it refuses to separate control of free movement and access to the single market, hopefully it will be a minor trade war but a n at least some sectors
I think the tariffs are something like < 3% on average between UK/EU and US. Getting rid of them is not that big a deal. Hopefully UK and EU will come to a sensible arrangement and not get into a pointless fight... But if we do... A deal with the US won't save us.
We will survive a trade war with the EU, hopefully a minor one at worst but removing tariffs on UK exports to the largest national destination of UK exports at least eases some of the burden
Early MIG planes had pitot tubes sticking out from under their nose (the tube measures air speed). One day a guard was on duty when he noticed one of the tubes was bent down. Noticing that none of the others were bent in the line of planes, he diligently went down the line, bending every tube.
Of course, they were meant to be straight.
(I've heard this from several different places, so it is almost certainly an urban myth)
Welcome to the World of Trump where black is white and white is black.
I know this is a right-wing blog with quite a few nutters but did/does anyone actually support Trump here?
I would say this blog reflects quite well the spread of political opinion in Britain. If you think it's particularly right-wing then perhaps you've been operating in a social media bubble..?
I think it's because reasonable centre/centre left people get attacked by the far right.
I think you feel that way because 'reasonable centre/centre left people' think they are so reasonable that they should not be attacked by anyone, so it comes as a surprise to them when they are, and clearly the attacker must be unreasonable. However, these self same 'reasonable people' have no problem attacking either the right or the far left.
The proposed US ambassador to the EU said on Andrew Neil this morning that Trump blames Germany for sucking all the wealth away from the southern nation states and that he is against large blocks and will only deal with Nation States. Apparently he has not spoken to Merkel yet and if he confirms his views, as is likely, it will sew the seed of dissent against Merkel and Germany.
Things are not going to get any easier for the EU
Mrs M is a very smart lady. Not someone to try to get the better of.
Have you got a link?
The US will win any trade war with the EU in the short-term, however smart Merkel is. But longer term, it will do tremendous damage to itself, as well as to others. However much Trump may wish it, the US cannot shield itself from the global economy.
Hmmm... Interesting.
What do you mean by winning a trade war? And in short term?
If the US does this border tax thing... It won't just be a war with the EU... It will be against all countries... Who would presumably retaliate against the US?
By win, I mean that it is likely to be shielded from the consequences of all out trade war for the longest of the major economies. But that will only be a short-term thing.
I think the consequences for USA would be pretty bad. This is all hypothetical of course but EU I think sends 15% of its exports to USA. By contrast if the US applied this border tax to all economies... And they retaliated... Then it's essentially destroying nearly all of its export markets? Unless I've misunderstood?
A fair point! And doubly so if RCS is right about the need for American manufacturers to import German products.
I am in the sensor and automation market. Believe me, the US is about 5-10 years behind Europe, mainly Germany in sensor and robotic technology.
I have seen American buyers with their jaws wide open in Hanover and Nuremberg fairs.
Just because a country has a large defence industry does not mean they have a very efficient manufacturing industry.
I guess trade negotiations factor in need to import versus nice to import. I wonder how much of Germany's export surplus with countries like us and the US is replaceable from other sources. We can get cars from elsewhere, but will they be of similar quality? Specialist machinery is probably a different matter - you still have to buy it however much it costs.
Comments
So, if you think May will be replaced by another Conservative prior to a General Election being held, which he/she will win as incumbent PM , then this bet would pay out.
I'm on Hammond at 100/1, Rudd at 200/1 and Osborne at 200/1.
All of those priced under 100/1 are ludicrous, IMHO.
Forget the EU. The reason the world has gravitated to a system for trade based around the WTO is that it gives smaller countries rights, and avoids big countries dictating the terms.
In the new world, the strong shall have power, and the weak will be bullied.
But it is not impartial to call blatant lies something else. It lets them off the hook and makes it easy for people to say... Oh they are all the same.
But most politicians don't lie on the level of Trump and I really think he has caught people off guard with this... The media needs to adapt and get comfortable with calling it as it is.
Have you got a link?
I'll put my 87p on all of them.
Not subsidising renewables is one thing. Banning them altogether is something else.
tldr;
GOP support ruralizing
Dem support urbanizing
This is the key graph;
http://images.rcp.realclearpolitics.com/398105_5_.jpg
Yes, we can almost certainly get tariff free trade with the US, which will save UK exporters an average of 3%.
The question is what we have to give up to get that. We will almost certainly need to accept the supremacy of US ISDS Tribunals over UK law, we may need to accept a requirement to keep UK intellectual property law in lock-step with the US, and - like with the Australia-US FTA deal - it is perfectly possible that it will be assymetrical with us opening up more of our markets to the US than vice versa.
What do you mean by winning a trade war? And in short term?
If the US does this border tax thing... It won't just be a war with the EU... It will be against all countries... Who would presumably retaliate against the US?
I share many concerns about trade wars but I think Germany is facing a huge threat from Trump, not only on the plan for an EU army which he opposes, but their contributions to NATO and his dislike of the way they have economically damaged the south through the euro.
These are unprecedented times
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38712182
https://mobile.twitter.com/evanoconnell/status/823242857444163587
Why?
Because the main purpose of Trump's policies are to encourage investment in the US. That there should be US factories producing US products to sell around the world. His corporate tax policies, and in particular the immediate write-off of capital expenditure against tax, are designed to stimulate investment in the US.
Now, where produces capital goods?
Germany. (And to a lesser extent Sweden.) 27% of German exports are capital goods.
If you go into any modern factory (in any country in the world) you'll see the same names on all the machines on the floor: robots by KUKA, assembly lines by Sitec, testing equipment by Zeiss, control software by Bosch and Siemens. Factories are made almost entirely out of Germany machines. They make the machines that make the things you and I buy.
The reason Germany has been a great economy in the last decade is principally because China has gone through an industrial revolution. And that revolution involved buying massive quantities of capital goods from Germany. It's why China runs a trade deficit with Germany.
If the US to make these kind of investments, there's one winner: and that's Frau Merkel.
Germany's problems are not our problems. We have enough problems of our own.
What would Russia want?
I know this is a right-wing blog with quite a few nutters but did/does anyone actually support Trump here?
But I basically just did!
'The EU is our largest export market, by far. Tariff free access to the US will make little difference when compared to it becoming more expensive and time-consuming to do business where we trade most. That's before you even factor in tariffs'
The argument that Europe is our largest market is used all the time but does anyone seriously believe that this will disappear after Brexit. As far as I was aware we have a huge trade deficit with Europe so any damage to us must damage them more
Point 2: For the nth time, *both* sides lose in a trade war
Apparently so the stories go aircraft windscreens are tested by firing chicken carcasses at them with the cannon and some british company borrowed one from the states but all the windscreens kept failing the test. When the us parent company investigated it was found the brits were going down to the supermarket and buying frozen chicken to fire
Getting rid of them is not that big a deal. Hopefully UK and EU will come to a sensible arrangement and not get into a pointless fight... But if we do... A deal with the US won't save us.
Origination rules are problematic for smaller countries that deal with larger countries on their own. So the PTA may allow us to sell bedsheets to the U.S. free of tariffs. The catch is that the raw material cotton has to be sourced either in the UK or the U.S. My hypothetical weaving company was using Egyptian cotton that was cheaper and maybe better. So I switch to U.S. cotton to eliminate my tariffs to that country but incur additional input costs on my sales to other countries. It's less of a problem for larger countries and trading blocks because it's easier to meet the content thresholds using materials from the local market. Thanks to import substitution the Australia U.S. PTA is reckoned not to have increased Australian exports at all.
Until we Brexit, a USA trade war with Germany is a trade war with us too. That takes through at least the first half of Trumps term. Quite possibly all of it if there is a transitional arrangement that keeps us in the Customs Union for a couple of years.
In 2008 or thereabouts someone in Swansea ( council?) sent a note in English to the translation dept to have the sign bilingualised into Welsh as all road signs are here. The English said "Heavy goods vehicle restricted access" or something similar. The translation duly came back quickly with the Welsh version from the translator. This Welsh was duly put on the sign and the sign was made and put in place. Sadly the Welsh said "I'm out of the office at present. Please forward anything for translation".
I have seen American buyers with their jaws wide open in Hanover and Nuremberg fairs.
Just because a country has a large defence industry does not mean they have a very efficient manufacturing industry.
The first part is at least true:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSafRuLB0c0
The chicken gun is, of course, a great British invention:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_gun
Early MIG planes had pitot tubes sticking out from under their nose (the tube measures air speed). One day a guard was on duty when he noticed one of the tubes was bent down. Noticing that none of the others were bent in the line of planes, he diligently went down the line, bending every tube.
Of course, they were meant to be straight.
(I've heard this from several different places, so it is almost certainly an urban myth)