What a grey and miserable day. It saddens me that, for years to come, British political life will be dominated by grinding trade negotiations, blame apportioning, sterility and paralysis. The tweedy English eccentrics responsible - Farage, Nuttall, Mogg etc. - will be but distant memories by the time all this is resolved, if it ever is to anyone's significant satisfaction. I thought we were finally turning away from the old morbid post-Imperial fetishes: a pompous contempt for everything foreign, petty nationalistic symbolism, White Cliffs of Dover, Tommy helmets, the plucky Brit underdog... But we're evidently trapped in the past for the foreseeable future. Dreary times.
A revealing post.
It reveals that much of what remains of europhilia - particularly in England - is driven by an embarrassment of our colonial past.
How did you get to that?
" old morbid post-Imperial fetishes: a pompous contempt for everything foreign, petty nationalistic symbolism, White Cliffs of Dover, Tommy helmets, the plucky Brit underdog... But we're evidently trapped in the past for the foreseeable future"
This was a big clue.
The words.
Those words speak to me of regret that we keep harking back to the past, not embarrassment that we have a past.
I think the link being made was clear: that leaving the EU is by definition all about harking back to the past in the search of lost imperial glory.
I - and many other Brexiteers - see it as being about the future.
I did not read it in that way. But then I was a remain voter :-)
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
It's short haul so I'm not sure of the entertainment options. I'm only flying in from Manila (drumming up business for the Swiss economy!), we spent yesterday evening in the Mall of Asia. Man do they love to shop here. The news has Brexit on now, apparently our trade with the Philippines is worth $650m per year and it grew 30% last year and is on track to grow 50% this year.
On the issues, I agree that being in the EU doesn't specifically preclude trade with non-EU nations. It is the part of our British disease in the management classes of taking the path of least resistance. Since 2012 it has been changing. Not fast enough though, and Brexit will lead to a permanent lowering of EU trade in favour of non-EU trade, further distancing us from the continent. As it should be.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
Sturgeon might be able to get the basis of a future agreement with the EU to present as a plan when Indyref 2 comes round. I think the EU wants Scotland aboard, Edinburgh as the EU-US financial link (US Democrat president due in 2024) is long term a good option for all (EU, Scotland) sides.
I think the EU would only threaten to play that card if the negotiations turn sour.
They know that to do otherwise would be perceived as a hostile act in interfering in the UK's internal governance.
And Dublin is a more natural fit for that role anyway.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
Sturgeon might be able to get the basis of a future agreement with the EU to present as a plan when Indyref 2 comes round. I think the EU wants Scotland aboard, Edinburgh as the EU-US financial link (US Democrat president due in 2024) is long term a good option for all (EU, Scotland) sides.
Trump on that basis will probably be still President for another 7 years and a year later in 2025 we could have a Labour government taking us back into the single market anyway
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
It's short haul so I'm not sure of the entertainment options. I'm only flying in from Manila (drumming up business for the Swiss economy!), we spent yesterday evening in the Mall of Asia. Man do they love to shop here. The news has Brexit on now, apparently our trade with the Philippines is worth $650m per year and it grew 30% last year and is on track to grow 50% this year.
On the issues, I agree that being in the EU doesn't specifically preclude trade with non-EU nations. It is the part of our British disease in the management classes of taking the path of least resistance. Since 2012 it has been changing. Not fast enough though, and Brexit will lead to a permanent lowering of EU trade in favour of non-EU trade, further distancing us from the continent. As it should be.
Path of least resistance is an interesting way of putting trading with your closest neighbours rather than one, say, 5,000 miles away. It is what people do and although I appreciate we need improvement in many areas, I don't think there should be a minimum distance rule for UK companies seeking to do business.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
The usual suspects always drift off when I ask this, but I believe you're more honest.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
It's short haul so I'm not sure of the entertainment options. I'm only flying in from Manila (drumming up business for the Swiss economy!), we spent yesterday evening in the Mall of Asia. Man do they love to shop here. The news has Brexit on now, apparently our trade with the Philippines is worth $650m per year and it grew 30% last year and is on track to grow 50% this year.
On the issues, I agree that being in the EU doesn't specifically preclude trade with non-EU nations. It is the part of our British disease in the management classes of taking the path of least resistance. Since 2012 it has been changing. Not fast enough though, and Brexit will lead to a permanent lowering of EU trade in favour of non-EU trade, further distancing us from the continent. As it should be.
Not just the path of least resistance, the main beneficiaries of the eu are companies that export there and companies that like cheap foreign labour to keep down costs. In effect our membership of the eu is little more that a tax payer subsidy of such companies. Corporate welfare if you like.
What a grey and miserable day. It saddens me that, for years to come, British political life will be dominated by grinding trade negotiations, blame apportioning, sterility and paralysis. The tweedy English eccentrics responsible - Farage, Nuttall, Mogg etc. - will be but distant memories by the time all this is resolved, if it ever is to anyone's significant satisfaction. I thought we were finally turning away from the old morbid post-Imperial fetishes: a pompous contempt for everything foreign, petty nationalistic symbolism, White Cliffs of Dover, Tommy helmets, the plucky Brit underdog... But we're evidently trapped in the past for the foreseeable future. Dreary times.
A revealing post.
It reveals that much of what remains of europhilia - particularly in England - is driven by an embarrassment of our colonial past.
How did you get to that?
" old morbid post-Imperial fetishes: a pompous contempt for everything foreign, petty nationalistic symbolism, White Cliffs of Dover, Tommy helmets, the plucky Brit underdog... But we're evidently trapped in the past for the foreseeable future"
This was a big clue.
The words.
Those words speak to me of regret that we keep harking back to the past, not embarrassment that we have a past.
I think the link being made was clear: that leaving the EU is by definition all about harking back to the past in the search of lost imperial glory.
I - and many other Brexiteers - see it as being about the future.
I did not read it in that way. But then I was a remain voter :-)
We should both make better efforts to understand each other.
Is it true that Portugal is the only EU country we have never been at war with?
They were part of Spain from 1580 - 1640 (in the sense of having Phillip II of Spain as King) so we were at war (even if I'm sure the Portuguese weren't happy about being part of Spain).
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Mr. G, Macron's reason must be that he's only got his pole position to lose, though I doubt he'd actually say that.
Indeed... although unless he can give a convincing alternative reason, ducking it might be more risky than attending.
I see Valls has now officially endorsed Macron, could be a double edged sword for him in the runoff if Le Pen can convince Fillon voters Macron is now the real Socialist Party candidate and pissed off Hamon voters stay home http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39428649
Mr. Evershed, the oldest bilateral peace treaty still in force, I believe, is between us and Portugal. Bit over 600 years old, if memory serves.
Wiki has a quote from Churchill on this treaty:
In 1943 the Portuguese Government leased to Britain what became a major Allied air and naval base in the Portuguese islands, the Azores. Prime Minister Winston Churchill recounted reporting on the lease to the House of Commons:
"I have an announcement", I said, "to make to the House arising out of the treaty signed between this country and Portugal in the year 1373 between His Majesty King Edward III and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal." I spoke in a level voice, and made a pause to allow the House to take in the date, 1373. As this soaked in there was something like a gasp. I do not suppose any such continuity of relations between two Powers has ever been, or will ever be, set forth in the ordinary day-to-day work of British diplomacy.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers with common defence, diplomatic service and intelligence service - how do you think these things work?
Harking back to the past? How about the very recent celebrations re. the 60th anniversary of the the Treaty of Rome (the precursor to the EU, of course!)?
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
It's short haul so I'm not sure of the entertainment options. I'm only flying in from Manila (drumming up business for the Swiss economy!), we spent yesterday evening in the Mall of Asia. Man do they love to shop here. The news has Brexit on now, apparently our trade with the Philippines is worth $650m per year and it grew 30% last year and is on track to grow 50% this year.
On the issues, I agree that being in the EU doesn't specifically preclude trade with non-EU nations. It is the part of our British disease in the management classes of taking the path of least resistance. Since 2012 it has been changing. Not fast enough though, and Brexit will lead to a permanent lowering of EU trade in favour of non-EU trade, further distancing us from the continent. As it should be.
Path of least resistance is an interesting way of putting trading with your closest neighbours rather than one, say, 5,000 miles away. It is what people do and although I appreciate we need improvement in many areas, I don't think there should be a minimum distance rule for UK companies seeking to do business.
Well in that sense and also in a sense of regulatory and standards alignment. Winning a contract selling widgets to a German company is easier than winning a contract selling to a Japanese company since the Japanese company will require said widgets to comply with Japanese standards, while the German company will require the same standards as the exporting company from the UK.
That's still going to be broadly true after Brexit anyway, but psychologically I think not being in the EU will make a difference. The government campaign to increase non-EU exports has yielded significant results on the back of basically zero change, just a bit of advertising and the EU economy turning to shit forcing companies to look beyond the European border for trade. Formally cutting our ties with the EU will yield a larger effect among the management classes.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
Fillon is now indicating he may not come to the 20 April debate. Recap: all 11 have been invited; Macron and Mélenchon say they won't come; Le Pen, Hamon and Dupont-Aignan say they will come.
What reason have Macron and Melenchon given for not attending?
Melenchon: it doesn't fit in well with his schedule, he's unwilling to fall into F2's "trap", given that he feels they stitched him up before on Emission Politique (source), and they didn't ask whether he wanted to put his whole campaign into the game a mere "48 hours" (sic) before the voting starts.
Macron: all 11 should go, and holding it on 20 April is too late. He says he'll take something to the Supreme Council on Autovisual, but I'm not sure what exactly.
Now Le Pen is wavering too: she says she is "not sure" whether she'll participate.
As for Fillon, who has indicated he may not come, his getting advice from his team in the form of text messages during the 20 March debate was frowned upon.
The buzzword in relation to all of this appears to be..."buzz"
A lot is happening fast. Nobody has pulled out of the 4 April debate yet, though.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
It's short haul so I'm not sure of the entertainment options. I'm only flying in from Manila (drumming up business for the Swiss economy!), we spent yesterday evening in the Mall of Asia. Man do they love to shop here. The news has Brexit on now, apparently our trade with the Philippines is worth $650m per year and it grew 30% last year and is on track to grow 50% this year.
On the issues, I agree that being in the EU doesn't specifically preclude trade with non-EU nations. It is the part of our British disease in the management classes of taking the path of least resistance. Since 2012 it has been changing. Not fast enough though, and Brexit will lead to a permanent lowering of EU trade in favour of non-EU trade, further distancing us from the continent. As it should be.
Path of least resistance is an interesting way of putting trading with your closest neighbours rather than one, say, 5,000 miles away. It is what people do and although I appreciate we need improvement in many areas, I don't think there should be a minimum distance rule for UK companies seeking to do business.
Well in that sense and also in a sense of regulatory and standards alignment. Winning a contract selling widgets to a German company is easier than winning a contract selling to a Japanese company since the Japanese company will require said widgets to comply with Japanese standards, while the German company will require the same standards as the exporting company from the UK.
That's still going to be broadly true after Brexit anyway, but psychologically I think not being in the EU will make a difference. The government campaign to increase non-EU exports has yielded significant results on the back of basically zero change, just a bit of advertising and the EU economy turning to shit forcing companies to look beyond the European border for trade. Formally cutting our ties with the EU will yield a larger effect among the management classes.
Hmm. It is a funny old way of going about it. The market takes care of a lot of this, as you describe, and the government's campaign is a useful addition. But none of it argues for making our largest and closest market less accessible. It's a pretty brutal way of going about running an economy. A bit like putting a one-year old on a bicycle to make them learn how to cycle.
Mr. Glenn, the EU's been in existence as a political project for about two decades. Not four.
Mr. Rabbit, I think you'll find that Labour's poll share is rock solid such is the conviction of Chairman Corbyn's loyal followers, whereas the lickspittle capitalist pigdog Conservative vote share is subject to wild volatility thanks to their fickle fair-weather friends.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
Jog on and find someone who cares what you think.
I thought Carlotta answered the question asked?
Who asked her a question?
Ah I see. Fair enough, although such interjections are common here!
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
Fillon is now indicating he may not come to the 20 April debate. Recap: all 11 have been invited; Macron and Mélenchon say they won't come; Le Pen, Hamon and Dupont-Aignan say they will come.
What reason have Macron and Melenchon given for not attending?
Melenchon: it doesn't fit in well with his schedule, he's unwilling to fall into F2's "trap", given that he feels they stitched him up before on Emission Politique (source), and they didn't ask whether he wanted to put his whole campaign into the game a mere "48 hours" (sic) before the voting starts.
Macron: all 11 should go, and holding it on 20 April is too late. He says he'll take something to the Supreme Council on Autovisual, but I'm not sure what exactly.
Now Le Pen is wavering too: she says she is "not sure" whether she'll participate.
As for Fillon, who has indicated he may not come, his getting advice from his team in the form of text messages during the 20 March debate was frowned upon.
The buzzword in relation to all of this appears to be..."buzz"
A lot is happening fast. Nobody has pulled out of the 4 April debate yet, though.
I don't think Macron would have pulled out if he did not expect one of Fillon/Le Pen to do the same.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
Jog on and find someone who cares what you think.
I thought Carlotta answered the question asked?
Who asked her a question?
Ah I see. Fair enough, although such interjections are common here!
TUD claimed no one ever answered the question - then objects when someone does!
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
The usual suspects always drift off when I ask this, but I believe you're more honest.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Far less. That is why I am in favour of Scottish Independence.
But they would certainly lose a fair bit of what they had gained in sovereignty if they were to go back into the EU after becoming independent. Too much for my mind - which is of course why I am a strong supporter of Brexit for either the UK as a whole or its constituent nations.
Scotland rightly quotes Norway as an example of what they could be. Going for EEA membership would be a sensible move after Independence. Going back into the EU really would not.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
Jog on and find someone who cares what you think.
"Less".
Are you stupid? Wait, no need to ask.
He claims no one ever answers the question - then complains when people do!
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
One wonders whether LSE will now look at the on again off again NASDAQ merger. I think it would be a better fit than DB anyway. Our interests lie outside or Europe for the time being. I think as a nation we just need to let Europe get on with whatever they are getting on with while we refocus our trade and diplomacy towards the US and Asia. Brexit was a huge topic in India, there are big expectations that India and the UK will be able to come to a trade agreement which will allow for more investment in the Indian economy by UK companies and vice versa. There is also a lot of hope that the UK will agree equivalency for degrees and professional qualifications given out by elite universities in India so that Indian graduates are ready for UK employment.
I also know that in SE and East Asia there is a certain degree of interest in Brexit and my old contacts at Sony are all saying that the Japanese government are looking to make a UK-Japan comprehensive trade deal top of their agenda if the EU one isn't completed in time for it to carry over like CETA is expected to.
As we move away from the referendum sponsored doom mongering it is clearer that any opportunity losses we may (and may is the key word here) experience from leaving the EU should be replaced 2x by new opportunities in the rest of the world. Trading with 15% of the global economy to the exclusion of 85% never made sense. Hopefully the DIT are up to the task, but AIUI their recruitment and promotion criteria is much tougher than other departments which has led to a general labour shortage.
If anyone is looking to work in international trade apply now.
If that is your understanding of international trade may I please ask on behalf of the country that you don't apply.
What specifically do you have an issue with. I'm time limited as I'm about to board a flight to Hong Kong so if i don't reply it means there's no WiFi on the plane.
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
I just thought I would look up some GDP fingers EU27 GDP in 2015 was £16,516 Billion at the same time Global GDP was $113,162 Billion as a percentage that 14.59%!
The fact that only 60 % ish if our exports go outside the EU suggests to me and I think many others, there is a big opportunity to expand, to increase the trade in both direction, and grow wealthy as a result.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
Jog on and find someone who cares what you think.
"Less".
Are you stupid? Wait, no need to ask.
And another wee armchair Yoon lobs in..
Lol, I supported and still do support Scottish independence. I just don't think it will be delivered. You bottled it in 2014 and not enough people give a fuck about the EU, worse still those that do are Yes/Leavers who are now looking to stay home or switch to No. Get back in your corner with the dunce hat.
One wonders whether LSE will now look at the on again off again NASDAQ merger. I think it would be a better fit than DB anyway. Our interests lie outside or Europe for the time being. I think as a nation we just need to let Europe getn out by elite universities in India so that Indian graduates are ready for UK employment.
I also know that in SE and East Asia there is a certain degree of interest in Brexit and my old contacts at Sony are all saying that the Japanese government are looking to make a UK-Japan comprehensive trade deal top of their agenda if the EU one isn't completed in time for it to carry over like CETA is expected to.
As we move away from the referendum sponsored doom mongering it is clearer that any opportunity losses we may (and may is the key word here) experience from leaving the EU should be replaced 2x by new opportunities in the rest of the world. Trading with 15% of the global economy to the exclusion of 85% never made sense. Hopefully the DIT are up to the task, but AIUI their recruitment and promotion criteria is much tougher than other departments which has led to a general labour shortage.
If anyone is looking to work in international trade apply now.
If that is your understanding of international trade may I please ask on behalf of the country that you don't apply.
What specifically do you have an issue with. I'm time limited as I'm about to board a flight to Hong Kong so if i don't reply it means there's no WiFi on the plane.
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
I just thought I would look up some GDP fingers EU27 GDP in 2015 was £16,516 Billion at the same time Global GDP was $113,162 Billion as a percentage that 14.59%!
The fact that only 60 % ish if our exports go outside the EU suggests to me and I think many others, there is a big opportunity to expand, to increase the trade in both direction, and grow wealthy as a result.
Of course there is. But that can happen whether we're in or out of the EU. Why make access to the nearest 15% more difficult?
One wonders whether LSE will now look at the on again off again NASDAQ merger. I think it would be a better fit than DB anyway. Our interests lie outside or Europe for the time being. I think as a nation we just need to let Europe getn out by elite universities in India so that Indian graduates are ready for UK employment.
I also know that in SE and East Asia there is a certain degree of interest in Brexit and my old contacts at Sony are all saying that the Japanese government are looking to make a UK-Japan comprehensive trade deal top of their agenda if the EU one isn't completed in time for it to carry over like CETA is expected to.
As we move away from the referendum sponsored doom mongering it is clearer that any opportunity losses we may (and may is the key word here) experience from leaving the EU should be replaced 2x by new opportunities in the rest of the world. Trading with 15% of the global economy to the exclusion of 85% never made sense. Hopefully the DIT are up to the task, but AIUI their recruitment and promotion criteria is much tougher than other departments which has led to a general labour shortage.
If anyone is looking to work in international trade apply now.
If that is your understanding of international trade may I please ask on behalf of the country that you don't apply.
What specifically do you have an issue with. I'm time limited as I'm about to board a flight to Hong Kong so if i don't reply it means there's no WiFi on the plane.
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
I just thought I would look up some GDP fingers EU27 GDP in 2015 was £16,516 Billion at the same time Global GDP was $113,162 Billion as a percentage that 14.59%!
The fact that only 60 % ish if our exports go outside the EU suggests to me and I think many others, there is a big opportunity to expand, to increase the trade in both direction, and grow wealthy as a result.
Of course there is. But that can happen whether we're in or out of the EU. Why make access to the nearest 15% more difficult?
Because membership of the EU made access to the other 85% more difficult.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
He also said Merkel and Trump would get on like a house on fire.
Of course in reality the correct metaphor is burning bridges.
One wonders whether LSE will now look at the on again off again NASDAQ merger. I think it would be a better fit than DB anyway. Our interests lie outside or Europe for the time being. I think as a nation we just need to let Europe getn out by elite universities in India so that Indian graduates are ready for UK employment.
I also know that in SE and East Asi As we move away from the referendum sponsored doom mongering it is clearer that any opportunity losses we may (and may is the key word here) experience from leaving the EU should be replaced 2x by new opportunities in the rest of the world. Trading with 15% of the global economy to the exclusion of 85% never made sense. Hopefully the DIT are up to the task, but AIUI their recruitment and promotion criteria is much tougher than other departments which has led to a general labour shortage.
If anyone is looking to work in international trade apply now.
If that is your understanding of international trade may I please ask on behalf of the country that you don't apply.
What specifically do you have an issue with. I'm time limited as I'm about to board a flight to Hong Kong so if i don't reply it means there's no WiFi on the plane.
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
I just thought I would look up some GDP fingers EU27 GDP in 2015 was £16,516 Billion at the same time Global GDP was $113,162 Billion as a percentage that 14.59%!
The fact that only 60 % ish if our exports go outside the EU suggests to me and I think many others, there is a big opportunity to expand, to increase the trade in both direction, and grow wealthy as a result.
Of course there is. But that can happen whether we're in or out of the EU. Why make access to the nearest 15% more difficult?
Because membership of the EU made access to the other 85% more difficult.
In what way?
Edit: dashing out now - will be back and will read the answer. If it's a question of signing individual trade deals, I am interested to know how a single country can negotiate a better deal than the largest trading bloc can.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
It will have profound financial consequences to William: T-2 years until he loses £1,000 to SeanT.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
It will have profound financial consequences to William: T-2 years until he loses £1,000 to SeanT.
I just thought I would look up some GDP fingers EU27 GDP in 2015 was £16,516 Billion at the same time Global GDP was $113,162 Billion as a percentage that 14.59%!
The fact that only 60 % ish if our exports go outside the EU suggests to me and I think many others, there is a big opportunity to expand, to increase the trade in both direction, and grow wealthy as a result.
Aren't we around 16% of the EU's total economy as well?
The EU was once 30% of the global economy (1980s), yet now is heading down towards a third of that in a post Brexit world.
It's a diminishing sector of the global market in spite of ever increasing add ons.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
It will have profound financial consequences to William: T-2 years until he loses £1,000 to SeanT.
Before that becomes an embedded memory, I believe they both settled on a smaller figure - ISTR £100. Someone'll probably remember better than myself.
Edit: or am I wrong? An order of magnitude or two out is a bit much, even for an engineer ...
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
The usual suspects always drift off when I ask this, but I believe you're more honest.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Far less. That is why I am in favour of Scottish Independence.
But they would certainly lose a fair bit of what they had gained in sovereignty if they were to go back into the EU after becoming independent. Too much for my mind - which is of course why I am a strong supporter of Brexit for either the UK as a whole or its constituent nations.
Scotland rightly quotes Norway as an example of what they could be. Going for EEA membership would be a sensible move after Independence. Going back into the EU really would not.
The trouble is there aren't really year zero options ie Scotland to spring into life, a fully formed independent nation with its own distinct economy, untrammelled by history and decisions previously made on its behalf. Attractive as Norway is, it evolved to its current state as much as any other nation. The first principle for me is that we decide whether or not we're in the EU, not have it imposed upon us by a much larger electorate with different motives and aspirations. edit: And the ability to make that decision seems to me the absolute foundation of sovereignty.
Hmm. It is a funny old way of going about it. The market takes care of a lot of this, as you describe, and the government's campaign is a useful addition. But none of it argues for making our largest and closest market less accessible. It's a pretty brutal way of going about running an economy. A bit like putting a one-year old on a bicycle to make them learn how to cycle.
The problem is that our management classes are all middle aged, fat and still haven't learned how to ride a bike. It's the nimble foreign managers who are actually helping the UK to export to non-EU countries. Time to take off the stabilisers, throw them in at the deep end or send them into the lion's den, depending on what your favourite analogy is.
Edit: dashing out now - will be back and will read the answer. If it's a question of signing individual trade deals, I am interested to know how a single country can negotiate a better deal than the largest trading bloc can.
It can do so because it only has to consider its own needs and those of the country it is doing the trade deal with. Not the needs of the other 27 countries who all have their own requirements and who all want to have a say in the final deal. Moreover we regain the ability to influence the way in which trade develops world wide by regaining our sets on various bodies that we gave up to the EU.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
As the full political consequences make themselves felt, rUK will baulk at 'taking back control'.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
It will have profound financial consequences to William: T-2 years until he loses £1,000 to SeanT.
Before that becomes an embedded memory, I believe they both settled on a smaller figure - ISTR £100. Someone'll probably remember better than myself.
Edit: or am I wrong? An order of magnitude or two out is a bit much, even for an engineer ...
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
How can Scotland be independent if she continues to be run from Brussels?
She can't. It is the one great failing of the Scottish Independence Movement - that they apparently don't really want to be independent.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
Less.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Answers a question not asked of her then stamps her foot for a reply to her own question.
Jog on and find someone who cares what you think.
"Less".
Are you stupid? Wait, no need to ask.
And another wee armchair Yoon lobs in..
Lol, I supported and still do support Scottish independence. I just don't think it will be delivered. You bottled it in 2014 and not enough people give a fuck about the EU, worse still those that do are Yes/Leavers who are now looking to stay home or switch to No. Get back in your corner with the dunce hat.
The sun is over the yardarm where you are I'm guessing, when wee dweebs gets macho on the internet.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
It will have profound financial consequences to William: T-2 years until he loses £1,000 to SeanT.
Before that becomes an embedded memory, I believe they both settled on a smaller figure - ISTR £100. Someone'll probably remember better than myself.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
It will have profound financial consequences to William: T-2 years until he loses £1,000 to SeanT.
Before that becomes an embedded memory, I believe they both settled on a smaller figure - ISTR £100. Someone'll probably remember better than myself.
Edit: or am I wrong? An order of magnitude or two out is a bit much, even for an engineer ...
France's ex-Prime Minister Manuel Valls has thrown his weight behind the centrist candidate for the presidency, Emmanuel Macron, and not his own Socialist party's candidate.
One wonders whether LSE will now look at the on again off again NASDAQ merger. I think it would be a better fit than DB anyway. Our interests lie outside or Europe for the time being. I think as a nation we just need to let Europe getn out by elite universities in India so that Indian graduates are ready for UK employment.
If anyone is looking to work in international trade apply now.
If that is your understanding of international trade may I please ask on behalf of the country that you don't apply.
What specifically do you have an issue with. I'm time limited as I'm about to board a flight to Hong Kong so if i don't reply it means there's no WiFi on the plane.
I don't think membership of the EU is holding back any UK company from seeking non-EU oportunities while there remains just under half our trade with the EU at the moment.
Anyway, onto more important matters. On the plane watch Grimsby and Keeping up with the Joneses (the first better than the second, both "dreadful", but plenty of laughs). Plus enjoy the Captain's Bar.
I just thought I would look up some GDP fingers EU27 GDP in 2015 was £16,516 Billion at the same time Global GDP was $113,162 Billion as a percentage that 14.59%!
The fact that only 60 % ish if our exports go outside the EU suggests to me and I think many others, there is a big opportunity to expand, to increase the trade in both direction, and grow wealthy as a result.
Of course there is. But that can happen whether we're in or out of the EU. Why make access to the nearest 15% more difficult?
There is absolutely not desire to make assess to the 15% harder, hopefully that can be covered in the UK-EU FTA. But access to the rest of the would is dictated by, the CAP Common External tariff, and there for we have no ability to unilaterally lower Our tariffs or singe FTA with other nations.
While I recognise that there may be some special interest that kicks up a fuss demand special protection and therefor the UK-EU FTA will not be quite as good as Common market access, but any detrition in the quality of that deal is going to be out wade by the better access to the Rest of the would.
Given the ratio of size access to the EU would have to detreate by 7 times as much as access to the Rest of the Would wood increases. for it to be a bad overall out come.
It conjures the delicious vision of the EU defending the interests of Scotland, NI & Gib in negotiations, while Tessy's precious union sockpuppets angrily demand that aforementioned interests should be of no account.
Scotland/SNP has tremendous goodwill with the EU at the moment, I feel alot of others underestimate the value of this.
Goodwill doesn't butter any parsnips to butcher a phrase, but a drastic toning down (if not absence) of the Barroso/Spain line from last time is a big bonus.
The EU parliament and the European Comission are two very different beasts.
The former has just released a statement calling for the process to be arranged "in an orderly fashion so as not to negatively affect the European Union, its citizens, and the process of European integration".
Political project.
And leaving a political project after 40 years will have profound political consequences, above all to break up the UK.
I thought you said it wasn't happening and wouldn't happen?
It will have profound financial consequences to William: T-2 years until he loses £1,000 to SeanT.
Before that becomes an embedded memory, I believe they both settled on a smaller figure - ISTR £100. Someone'll probably remember better than myself.
Comments
On the issues, I agree that being in the EU doesn't specifically preclude trade with non-EU nations. It is the part of our British disease in the management classes of taking the path of least resistance. Since 2012 it has been changing. Not fast enough though, and Brexit will lead to a permanent lowering of EU trade in favour of non-EU trade, further distancing us from the continent. As it should be.
They know that to do otherwise would be perceived as a hostile act in interfering in the UK's internal governance.
And Dublin is a more natural fit for that role anyway.
Does Scotland currently have more or less sovereignty than Ireland, Denmark or Belgium?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/29/britains-biggest-landlord-bans-coloured-people-curry-smell/
Political project.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39428649
In 1943 the Portuguese Government leased to Britain what became a major Allied air and naval base in the Portuguese islands, the Azores. Prime Minister Winston Churchill recounted reporting on the lease to the House of Commons:
"I have an announcement", I said, "to make to the House arising out of the treaty signed between this country and Portugal in the year 1373 between His Majesty King Edward III and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal." I spoke in a level voice, and made a pause to allow the House to take in the date, 1373. As this soaked in there was something like a gasp. I do not suppose any such continuity of relations between two Powers has ever been, or will ever be, set forth in the ordinary day-to-day work of British diplomacy.
But then Scotland is in a single market with a common currency and fiscal transfers with common defence, diplomatic service and intelligence service - how do you think these things work?
Now will you answer a question.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Let's party like it's 1957!!!
That's still going to be broadly true after Brexit anyway, but psychologically I think not being in the EU will make a difference. The government campaign to increase non-EU exports has yielded significant results on the back of basically zero change, just a bit of advertising and the EU economy turning to shit forcing companies to look beyond the European border for trade. Formally cutting our ties with the EU will yield a larger effect among the management classes.
Jog on and find someone who cares what you think.
I thought Carlotta answered the question asked?
LAB: 25% (-)
LDEM: 11% (-)
UKIP: 10% (-2)
!!!
Most worrying is that you could easily imagine say 2% Ukip > Tories and 2% Labour > LD... thus 45%/23%. The worse result since the War.
What's the SNP's policy on EU membership?
Macron: all 11 should go, and holding it on 20 April is too late. He says he'll take something to the Supreme Council on Autovisual, but I'm not sure what exactly.
Now Le Pen is wavering too: she says she is "not sure" whether she'll participate.
As for Fillon, who has indicated he may not come, his getting advice from his team in the form of text messages during the 20 March debate was frowned upon.
The buzzword in relation to all of this appears to be..."buzz"
A lot is happening fast. Nobody has pulled out of the 4 April debate yet, though.
Are you stupid? Wait, no need to ask.
* @kle4 not my best analogy.
Mr. Rabbit, I think you'll find that Labour's poll share is rock solid such is the conviction of Chairman Corbyn's loyal followers, whereas the lickspittle capitalist pigdog Conservative vote share is subject to wild volatility thanks to their fickle fair-weather friends.
Hypocrites are us!
But they would certainly lose a fair bit of what they had gained in sovereignty if they were to go back into the EU after becoming independent. Too much for my mind - which is of course why I am a strong supporter of Brexit for either the UK as a whole or its constituent nations.
Scotland rightly quotes Norway as an example of what they could be. Going for EEA membership would be a sensible move after Independence. Going back into the EU really would not.
Joyous & Civic, much?
The fact that only 60 % ish if our exports go outside the EU suggests to me and I think many others, there is a big opportunity to expand, to increase the trade in both direction, and grow wealthy as a result.
Of course in reality the correct metaphor is burning bridges.
Edit: dashing out now - will be back and will read the answer. If it's a question of signing individual trade deals, I am interested to know how a single country can negotiate a better deal than the largest trading bloc can.
The EU was once 30% of the global economy (1980s), yet now is heading down towards a third of that in a post Brexit world.
It's a diminishing sector of the global market in spite of ever increasing add ons.
Edit: or am I wrong? An order of magnitude or two out is a bit much, even for an engineer ...
The first principle for me is that we decide whether or not we're in the EU, not have it imposed upon us by a much larger electorate with different motives and aspirations.
edit: And the ability to make that decision seems to me the absolute foundation of sovereignty.
While I recognise that there may be some special interest that kicks up a fuss demand special protection and therefor the UK-EU FTA will not be quite as good as Common market access, but any detrition in the quality of that deal is going to be out wade by the better access to the Rest of the would.
Given the ratio of size access to the EU would have to detreate by 7 times as much as access to the Rest of the Would wood increases. for it to be a bad overall out come.