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Time to put differences aside and help the Greek people

(95 Posts)
TerriBull Wed 25-Jul-18 07:34:43

"Put aside differences" as far as I'm aware UK doesn't have differences with Greece, is the implication therefore, because Greece has transgressed in the eyes of Brussels a sort of tacit disapproval of them remains, meaning help won't be forthcoming when required shock Of course they must be helped.

M0nica Wed 25-Jul-18 07:20:15

They asked for help and other countries rallied round. This heatwave is world wide and many countries are struggling with wild fires. Sweden has out of control wild fires which have already caused deaths, likewise Japan and those are just the ones in the news.

MawBroon Wed 25-Jul-18 07:15:59

From today’s DT
Greek authorities were quick to call for EU assistance soon after the fires were reported. Countries including Cyprus, Spain, Turkey, Italy and Germany offered support. Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission chief, tweeted that the EU “will spare no effort to help”. But firefighters in Greece have long been warning that austerity measures imposed by Europe and the IMF meant they were ill-equipped for a major incident
Hmm, it has been said before now that EU membership is not all it is cracked up to be in the case of countries such as Greece who suffer from their economic inequality with the “big boys” of e.g. Germany.

OldMeg Wed 25-Jul-18 06:35:34

Exactly my thought merlot.

This is more people lost to this fire even than the Grenfell Tower disaster. It’s tragic.

loopyloo Wed 25-Jul-18 06:07:03

Logistically it's easier for adjoining countries to send fire engines etc, rather than loading them on boats etc. And our differences with Greece...... are you talking about the Elgin marbles?

MawBroon Wed 25-Jul-18 02:55:59

OFGS - I have no differences with Greece- but we do seem to have differences about Brexit and the EU- why do you want to mis-read, mis-interpret, all the time. Sad

This is not about Brexit and as others have said, help is being sent. Why make an issue of a non-issue?

Cold Wed 25-Jul-18 00:53:00

The EU has really pulled together during the acute wildfire problems that are engulfing the far North and far South of Europe. Many EU countries have answered the calls for help and contributed firefighters and equipment to deal with the ongoing problems in Greece and Sweden.

Not sure if the UK is participating in this effort - haven't seen them named.

merlotgran Wed 25-Jul-18 00:25:31

jura, could you not just shut up about bloody Brexit for once? What has happened in Greece is horrifying and heartbreaking.

Give it a rest.

Chewbacca Wed 25-Jul-18 00:09:30

The whole OP perplexes me. Like others; I wasn't aware that there were any "differences" between us and Greece. And it appears that many of Greece's neighbours have come to their immediate aid with offers of fire fighters, vehicles, planes, drones, medical assistance etc. I'm sure that many more offers of help will pour in over the coming hours and days. No one, as far as I know, has refused to help.

BlueBelle Tue 24-Jul-18 23:53:17

I don’t understand the original question Time to put the differences aside... what differences ?
Of course we need to help if help is needed

Maggiemaybe Tue 24-Jul-18 23:42:05

What differences? confused In times of humanitarian crisis, the neighbours generally jump in to help, and that is happening here.

Chewbacca Tue 24-Jul-18 23:10:48

Plus Cyprus, Israel, Spain and Bulgaria.

Chewbacca Tue 24-Jul-18 23:08:39

Italy, Germany, Poland and France have all sent help in the form of planes, vehicles and extra firefighters.

lemongrove Tue 24-Jul-18 22:56:35

Since the EU didn’t help Greece with all the overwhelming refugee/immigrants arriving on it’s shores, doubt it will set aside money to help with the awful present situation.
Although it may well be that Greece prefers to handle the situation itself, they are a very proud people.

jura2 Tue 24-Jul-18 22:51:17

OFGS - I have no differences with Greece- but we do seem to have differences about Brexit and the EU- why do you want to mis-read, mis-interpret, all the time. Sad.

paddyann Tue 24-Jul-18 22:37:59

surely a humane response regardless of where we are or our "differences" although I wasn't aware we had any .My Greek friends who have lived here for 40 years and more are valued members of our community and are distraught at the fires and their consequences.I'm sure we can come together to help in whatever way we can .

petra Tue 24-Jul-18 22:36:36

You might have a difference with them but I certainly haven't.

jura2 Tue 24-Jul-18 22:26:52

Well why not worldwide- but after all, they are part of the same continent and for the moment, part of the same 'club' - so ...how about not arguing about it- but finding ways to help.

MawBroon Tue 24-Jul-18 22:08:48

Is it an EU response which is called for?

jura2 Tue 24-Jul-18 22:04:58

what can we do- Europe must come together to help them.