Brexit4

What kind of Brexit we wish for, be it soft, hard or in the middle
Perhaps we should rename it Breggsit (like boiled eggs)

OK, it wasn't that funny I know but I need a

Made a cowl, fingerless gloves and a beanie for my neighbour today - proud ;)
You mean to tell me that the cat didn't get hold of the wool?

For goodness sake we have been talking about Article 50 and the fact the EU Commission has said there would be no negotiations before Article 50 is triggered since 'June'.

Same old same old.

No Jalima- he just doesn't know how to play... made him a pompom on a stick, and a felt mouse, and a ball with a bell... just doesn't know what to do with them...

You're so right, POGS...

Quite right- so perhaps you could tell us what you think about the statement I made following the meeting of the EU with Mrs May last night. Contribute to the thread perhaps?

I thought that was what POGS was talking about. You've been saying the same thing for months - nothing new in that statement.

Well yes, I have- as it has been clear for months.

You obviously think this is not correct, so it would be helpful if you could kindly give any backed evidence to the contrary. That would make an excellent contribution to the debate and be interesting to discuss. No?

No.

There is absolutely nothing new to talk about on Brexit at the moment.

Well that was truly enlightening and helpful - surprise.

Granjura

I'll tell you what I think of it , besides being the same old, same old rhetoric by the EU Commission and posters on GN.

I will answer with the same old, same old personal view.

IT IS PATHETIC. It is a group of puerile politicians with too much influence , too little regard for the welfare of the people of the 28 countries in the EU (27 after we leave) and the need for sound economic trading conditions for all 28 (27) members to compete on the world stage regarding trade.

If trading with the UK is 'not worth their while' in a single market, free trade arena then what can the UK do? It will have to abide by their terms but I think the political will and the will of business are two very different animals.

Further more all done under the damned enshrinement for 'Ever Closer Union', 'Federal Europe' mantra that is looking more and more the domain of the political elite , not the people.

Also the enshrinement/ mantra for the 'Free Movement of People' which likewise has become a contentious issue throughout the 28 member states and only the hypocrites inside and out of the EU who believe in it can view it as remotely common sense or even working well given over the past year the Schengen Agreement has become a loose cannon, passport/border controls were reinstated in some areas.

There is the fact that Thersa May has so annoyed the rest of the heads of the 27 that they made her wait till 1am to have her five minute speech about what she wanted/would like from Brexit - then no one replied - just said afterwards that they refused to discuss it till after A50.

If Thersa May, Boris, David D. Liam F etc were really trying their hardest to annoy the EU they could not be doing a better job. The U.K. will in effect be at their mercy when it comes to negotiating a good deal for leaving so a friendly appeasing attitude might be a good start.

But I thought the UK wouldn't be allowed to negotiate any sort of 'deal' anyway. That's what granjura's always saying.

It maybe 'pathetic' as you say, but it is entirely their prerogative- as the EU regulations have been clear all along.

Now they MAY CHOOSE to negotiate, but they are totally entitled to say 'article 50 first then let us get on with it - your input is not required, ta'.

That is right - but to annoy the whole lot of those who are going to decide does not seem a good idea - initially they sounded to be helpful about the deal they would give but the more the Brexit team opens their collective mouths that position looks to be receding and a really hard Brexit becoming reality - no trade deals etc. The car manufacturers have said they will look East to the rest of the EU and turn away from UK. Others are likely to follow and the politicians are talking down allowing passporting rights for the banks - saying that free movement of money ( or car parts and other things) does not fit well with restricted movement of people.

I think I prefer the astute words once said by Marcus Kerber of the German BDI (Federation of German Industries) than any of the pretentious peacocks in the EU.

He said it would be "very, very foolish" if the EU imposes trade barriers on the UK in the event it votes to leave the EU.

Markus Kerber, the head of the influential BDI which represents German industry, said his organisation would make the case against such measures.

He said any introduction of tariffs would be "regression to times we thought we'd left behind in the 1970s".

"Imposing trade barriers, imposing protectionist measures between our two countries - or between the two political centres, the European Union on the one hand and the UK on the other - would be a very, very foolish thing in the 21st Century,".

"The BDI would urge politicians on both sides to come up with a trade regime that enables us to uphold and maintain the levels of trade we have, although it will become more difficult."

Mr Kerber added that any introduction of tariffs would lead to job losses in Germany and the UK."

Couldn't agree more . I think Marcus Kerber should take anti British Guy Verhofstadt job as EU Parliament Brexit Negotiator , we might get some common sense prevail.

I hope you weren't attributing that 'pathetic' quote to me, granjura. You seem to be avoiding using names at the moment - hard to know who you're addressing.

Not sure quite what 'they' (and you) expected the UK government to do after the referendum vote - hold all discussions in secret and not tell anyone for fear of annoying the EU?

Of course not Ana - I was of course refering to the post which used those words- a few minutes later. That was surely clear to all.

Thanks for you reply POGS. I agree it would make sense for the EU to compromise- the point I am making is that the ball is entirely in their court and it is entirely their choice- whether they do or not.

At the moment they are clearly saying 'no negociations until you trigger Art. 50 - then afterwards, as per clearly laid down rules- we will choose what happens next, and you won't be part of it (unless we decide to involve you, which is very unlikely- then all EU members have to agree unanimously). As said several times, it is clear and simple (not).

So there's really nothing more to be said on the subject, is there? Just going round and round in circles...

(seeing as Marcus Kerber is unlikely to be called upon to replace the intractable Guy Verhofstadt!)

Granjura

Yes they do have to agree unanimously.

That's why the EU/Canada Agreement is stuck in the mud as we type because of the Belgian Walloons isn't it.

Amazing how 28 members can be held back by such a small number of people.

However somebody will have to give eventually, or not, as we are talking of the EU and it is a very complicated forum for doing trade deals it would appear!

I assume that Kerberos made the remarks pre Brexit - the car makers appear to have had a change of heart quite recently.

iPad knowing better than me with Kerber!

It is indeed amazing POGS, but it is the way it is- and as said, several times and I am sorry to repeat - just inescapable FACT.