For brexiters only please.

In the news - UK faces expulsion from Europol anti trafficking unit after Brexit.

Oh, that's OK, Dinahmo, we'll knit one of our own... ?

Good. Don't drop too many stitches.

As an occasional Gransnetter, ardent Brexiteer and First time poster, I would like to say thank you, aprilrose, for starting this thread.
Like others on here I am sick to the back teeth of being belittled by the 'Islington set' as if I am a dough brained idiot for not agreeing with their point of view.

You're a bit late with the Europol story ladies. I thought you knew everything about what will happen post Brexit.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-news-europol-membership-crime-cross-border-security-intelligence-deal-a8633036.html

I think they will miss out far more than we will. Their anti terrorists units seem far less efficient and the French in particular treat their immigrants appallingly creating hot beds of desperate young people who just want a fair chance in life and not to be stuck in ghettos

Hi there dellygran
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Remainers would like to turn this thread into just another ping pong game of Brexit you will notice!

Well said Sussexgran

Migrants are safe in France. Why the desperate measures to get over here??

So, do we think Macron will hold out so Boris gets his election before Xmas? We really need to get rid of this blocking, Remainer parliament.

Totally agree. The arrogance of the Remainers is staggering. Most Leavers realise that Remainers are only interested in their own bigoted opinions and EU worshipping through blinkered eyes. Best to let them carry on ranting and doing everything they can to damage the future for their grandchildren. Everything they dream up is incontrovertible fact and everyone else is half baked. They live in lalaland. I dread to think what the teachers amongst them were brainwashing our young with. We moved out of London when our DD2 was told to write an essay on burning Mrs Thatcher on a bonfire. Murdering people who disagree with you seemed quite acceptable to them. Nothing they come up with surprises me now.

Urmstongran, I do wonder that myself. I’ve heard all the reasons that range across the different opinions eg the benefits are better here, they’ll be housed quickly, they can work illegally and for some reason they want to do that, health care is free here, once they’re legal they can get their families in as well, they speak English and obviously so do we. For me, I don’t really understand the pull factor over other European countries that seem just as attractive. Something is pulling them here, but what?

I think newnanny that Macron, in his traditional Brexit bad cop role, may force a summit. But, with Angela Merkel, Ireland and the reality of no deal ranged against him, the French president will surely fall into line.

Macron may kick up rough about the latest delay but when it comes to ‘le crunch’ he won’t be prepared to force a no-deal Brexit.

Why, having ridden out the yellow vests protest, would he risk an invasion of Paris by furious fishermen in gilets jaunes?

And why would he force Ireland into economic destruction, and lose the Brussels blame game, in a move that would raise existential questions about the benefits of EU membership for smaller countries?

I would love to believe that Macron would (inadvertantly) help us out so that Boris could get his majority via an early election, but I have no faith in France being able to vote independently, any more than I felt that Britain could vote independently whilst in the EU, which is why I voted to leave ?

I wonder if it’s because we don’t have ID cards maddyone ?
That said I’m sure illegals have a network system over here to help them navigate work off grid.

Maybe it’s the riots in France entering the 53rd week, riots in Catalonia, high unemployment in all Southern European “States”, Germany tipping into recession.......or the not reported 3 explosions in Stockholm this week (just adding to the number this year)
All the above make the UK an extremely inviting prospect.

(All the above are easily verified by a google search)

I am afraid it is our International Health Service that is the huge pull factor. They are supposed to ask for proof of residency before treatment but they don't. Free health care is the big pull factor as in France we have to pay if we need to see a GP, and pay for prescriptions too which are not subsidised as they are in UK. Until all health professionals insist upon proof of residency or valid health insurance before treatment the pull will remain and our queues for treatment will get longer.

newnanny very true!

Urmstongran, GrannyGravy, and newnanny, I think all of you are right, it’s probably all those factors put together that makes the UK so attractive. Plus I feel, the opportunity to become legal and then get their families in, plus housing, health care and for some generous benefits. Having said that, I don’t think that benefits are the main pull factor, plus they have to be legal before they can claim benefits. However, if illegal and claiming asylum they will be housed, fed, and receive a small weekly allowance (I think it’s about £35 a week) until their claim is processed. If they choose to work illegally then the benefits isn’t (shouldn’t) be a factor, though I have heard of illegals claiming and receiving housing benefit.

I think its economic migrants and they work ‘cash in hand’ knowing their safety net is the A&E walk in. If what they have ‘at home’ is dire then even our less-than life here must seem wonderful.

I have no qualms whatsoever about immigrants coming here - we need them and they are very welcome - providing they come LEGALLY. A if difference! That way our councils can make proper provision for necessary services - school placements, a doctors surgery etc.

Regards Brexit in general - right now what a dog’s dinner!

Note to all opposition politicians: nobody in the real world now believes (if, indeed they ever did) your excuses about fearing a “no-deal” exit, or needing more time to scrutinise a Withdrawal Agreement most of which has already been, in its earlier incarnation, scrutinised to exhaustion.

We, the people are not fooled.

Can we shed a little tear for Macron. France came 8th in the world cheese making championships ?

The USA came top and a wonderful Cheddar came 4th.

Wow petra!! France will be gutted.

Anyone else thought as I did about the rugby today - in that if Wales had gotten through to the final, England AND Wales?

#goBrexitrugby

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Is aprilrose still on here with us? I know she works so probably doesn’t have as much free time as some of us who post.

More Brexit thoughts:

Labour demanded that Parliament be brought back, but frittered away those extra days after moaning about prorogation!

It demanded that “no deal” be closed off as an option, but refused to back a deal.

It demanded a meaningful vote, but ducked that vote when the moment came!

It demanded more time to debate the legislation, but ran out of speakers on the first day of the debate.
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At every stage, Labour assumed that voters would be too dim to see through its tricks. Its entire strategy was based around forcing Boris Johnson to miss the Oct 31 Brexit deadline, so as to be able to point at him and shout “Hah!”

That strategy now lies in tatters. Voters are not so gullible as to blame the delay on the politicians who tried to deliver Brexit. They are instead blaming the politicians who actually caused the delay.

Dinahmo
1. Before joining the EEC we were known as the poor man of Europe
Sorry, generalisation

2. Before the referendum in 2016 we were one of the wealthiest nations in the EU
Sorry, generalisation

3. Peace within the E~U for 75 years - longest period of peace in 2000 years
Not because of EU, but NATO. Most non EU countries have remained peaceful

4. Non tariff trade barriers
Has meant that our exports within EU have become progressively non competitive and because of same tariffs, the EU countries who have poorer employment benefits can offer their goods cheaper in the world markets (unfair advantage).

5. Free movement of labour - plugs skills gaps - doctors, vets, plumbers
Has depressed wages for the low and unskilled, also has led to the introduction of zero hour and gig contracts Brit workers always under the threat of being replaced by a cheaper EU citizens. Our non academic children have lost the right to good apprenticeships as trained plumbers etc. can come freely from Poland and get to work straight away. Shame on those who think it is acceptable to have destined many of our children to unskilled warehouse jobs on zero hours because they can get a plumber. BTW many of the new build houses that have used mainly non Brit staff are known for their extreme poor quality...Persimmon et al. We did not have shortages of nurses drs etc before the mass influx of free movers.

6. Free movement of labour provides unskilled workers to fill the jobs that Britons don't want - seasonal agricultural work for example
Repeat of no 6

7. Access to the single market has helped investment into the UK from outside the EU
What sort of investment?

8. The UK's net contribution to the EU budget is £7.3bn (0.4% of GDP). It's also less than 1/8 of our defence spending
What is the Gross contribution?
As one of the largest recipients of EU labour, how much is being remitted in benefits (child benefit etc)

9. Common Arrest Warrant
Although EU has the EU arrest warrant this is not unique and most countries are signed up to the International arrest warrant (Red notice).

10. Minimum guaranteed maternity leave of 14 weeks for pregnant women and 18 weeks of parental leave after the baby is born
Uk has more generous maternity and paternity leave than EU requirement. This is not determined by EU.

11. Introduction of pet passports
Most countries allow transport of pets providing they meet the required veterinary standards

12. Cheaper air travel due to EU competition laws
Can you provide evidence. I think you will find it is down to airlines and not EU

13. Over 45 million people travelled to Europe on holiday in 2018
Generalisation. How many travelled to ROW?

14. Funding for the British film industry, theatre, music, dance and sports. Grants for these, with the possible exception of sport as the govt sees that as a way to keep the population healthy, has been drastically cut over the last 10 years.
The EU has been reducing grants to UK as it redirects funds to apparently more needy (more profitable) EU countries. Any EU grants given to UK arts etc. are just UK tax remittances being paid back, wrapped in an EU flag. You and I paid for every grant, not EU.

15. Pooling of resources and intelligence.
Generalisation. We have always pooled resources and intelligence. If we had not we would not have known about Marie Curie, Rontgen, Einstein, Michaelangelo etc. All before the EU

I’ve often wondered who picked the fruit and veg before we joined Common Market? Surely it wasn’t all going to waste as remainers suggest will happen after Brexit?

'Murdering people who disagree with you seemed quite acceptable to them'. Apologies; did intend to not post on this thread but had to point out that Jo Cox was murdered and Gina Miller is constantly having death threats...