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News & politics

Relationship between France and UK

(187 Posts)
Kali2 Sat 04-Dec-21 10:03:11

From an excellent article by Simon Jenkins, this from a former French Embassador to the UK:

........''Sadly, I feel Brexit has changed all this – and rivalries that were once largely convivial have turned sour and unfriendly.

France has been repeatedly accused of wanting to punish the UK for Brexit. The French position is simply that the decision to leave the European Union has made the UK a ““third country” – not a punishment but a term defined in EU treaties, with many legal and regulatory consequences. The French government and public opinion alike are irritated by what seems like Johnson’s determination to have his cake and eat it.''........

MerylStreep Sun 05-Dec-21 10:11:39

I wonder why the whole world is looking at us when, according to some, we have no standing on the world stage.
It’s one or the other, isn’t it.

Josianne Sun 05-Dec-21 10:00:56

Mamie

Actually I tell a lie. BFMTV had the story of the man who went to A and E with an artillery shell up his backside.

My naughty son did that with his mates with fireworks in his youth Mamie. You fart and out comes the missile!

JenniferEccles Sun 05-Dec-21 10:00:07

I’m afraid that “the whole world is laughing at us” is a phrase which regularly gets trotted out on here from certain posters.

Most of us just simply ignore the comment, knowing that it’s complete rubbish.

Mamie Sun 05-Dec-21 09:54:47

Actually I tell a lie. BFMTV had the story of the man who went to A and E with an artillery shell up his backside.

Mamie Sun 05-Dec-21 09:47:51

No Lincslass. French press has relevant stories on fishing and Calais problems, but most reporting measured and factual (at least in the papers I read). The lunchtime TV we watch still has positive stories from UK correspondants. I don't see anything like the bile, half truths and downright lies of the UK gutter press.

Josianne Sun 05-Dec-21 09:31:00

Because we are constantly being told on here Lincslass that they are! And of course, the truth is paramount.
Personally I would rather be a tin pot, uninteresting nation in terms of the foreign press.

Lincslass Sun 05-Dec-21 09:30:36

Looking at d.Welle, they are more concerned about their new coalition, murders in Berlin, looking after the homeless, you know things that concern the German people. Perhaps it’s only the French who are obsessed with us, perhaps instead of Macron sniping and stamping his feet, working together would be more beneficial to all.

Lincslass Sun 05-Dec-21 09:23:36

Maggiemaybe

As ever, when I read that the world’s press is watching us/laughing at us/aghast at our behaviour, I wonder why the two German newspapers I follow are so out of step. Not a mention of the UK today, unless a short article about Banksy counts.

Perhaps they are not bothered about what is happening in the UK, after all as you all keep saying they have the upper hand, why are you concerned they’re not mentioning it.

MerylStreep Sun 05-Dec-21 09:02:46

Maggiemaybe
Maybe it’s just in the Swiss press. ?

Maggiemaybe Sun 05-Dec-21 08:49:28

As ever, when I read that the world’s press is watching us/laughing at us/aghast at our behaviour, I wonder why the two German newspapers I follow are so out of step. Not a mention of the UK today, unless a short article about Banksy counts.

Josianne Sun 05-Dec-21 08:32:31

But isn't that what a "relationship" can often be? Sometimes full of woes, embarrassments, highs and lows, turmoil and strife, but also connection, accord, compromises and even (hidden) mutual understanding.
Brexit will stick with many for years to come as an unfortunate move, others will consider it the opposite. That's it, but to say all the onlookers in the whole world are giving it any more than a perfunctory thought is utter tosh, garbage, foutaises, Quatsch, ridiculo ... whichever you wish choose.

halfpint1 Sun 05-Dec-21 06:44:24

Yes Kali2, the coverage of the English woes are embarrassing. It's the first time I've ever been embarrassed by the politics of my nationality and I'm trying to get Irish nationality, apparently there is a 2 year back log
Says it all really

Dinahmo Sat 04-Dec-21 23:51:21

Urmstongran

Not looking backwards but forwards. ...

Apparently the OECD's latest GDP growth forecast:
In 2021 the country with the fastest GDP growth will be .... the UK at 6.9%

In 2022 the country with the fastest GDP growth will be ... the UK at 4.7%
Again. “Despite Brexit”. ?

Its almost enough to put a smile on an objective observer's face.

It has to grow at that rate doesn't it? After, it fell further than most EU countries over the last few years.

MerylStreep Sat 04-Dec-21 22:36:11

Kali2
No, it might be a problem for some
But it certainly won’t be a problem for all

Kali2 Sat 04-Dec-21 22:21:19

Thank you.

The Covid + Brexit combo is indeed a nightmare for us. And if ports and Tunnel gets blocked- it will truly be a nightmare for all in the UK.

Urmstongran Sat 04-Dec-21 22:10:17

Oh I see. I understand now, thank you. Well fingers crossed your fears are unfounded Kali2 and you do get across to see your grandchildren for Christmas. Family means a lot.

Kali2 Sat 04-Dec-21 22:07:58

If they do this- I can't imagine what this winter of discontent will feel like, and shortages of everykind- never mind us having to cancel our trip to be with grandchildren!

Kali2 Sat 04-Dec-21 21:54:55

Who?

It is not Macron threatening, it is the fishermen and farmers.

Urmstongran Sat 04-Dec-21 21:36:40

I don’t think he will Kali2 surely not? What to gain by looking ever more petulant?

Kali2 Sat 04-Dec-21 21:33:10

Not because of Covid, that is the least of our worries, but because if Johnson continues to clown around- the French will just blockade the Tunnel and the Ports.

Calistemon Sat 04-Dec-21 21:32:05

Things!
Can only get better!

Kali2 Sat 04-Dec-21 21:31:41

lemongrove

Of course the whole world isn’t watching the UK and politics here, am guessing the average person in France is supremely uninterested ( as the average person here is supremely uninterested in French politics.)?

Well, it is all over the news and the papers - not just in France, but all over Europe- so they can hardly avoid it- and the reason why neighbours and friends do mention it to me- as they are concerned for us and realise that we probably will have to cancel our trip to be in UK with family over Christmas, again.

Expats in Spain and all over are reporting how embarrassed they are by seeing this on the News in their country of residence.

Petera Sat 04-Dec-21 21:29:32

Alegrias1

Urmstongran

but I can see its a direct quote from the Express

Wrong, Mystic Meg.
It was the Telegraph.
?

Well somebody's been copying someone else's homework.

www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1528523/city-of-london-news-brexit-exodues-project-fear-financial-services

Summary:

Things are worse.
But they could have been even worse than that.
Rejoice!

Calistemon Sat 04-Dec-21 20:53:33

Urmstongran

At least Macron will get one of these.
Boris’ Christmas card, of Dylin the dog playing in the snow on the Downing Street garden.

Love it! So cute.

What a pity I'm not on their Christmas card list.

Urmstongran Sat 04-Dec-21 20:47:14

Seems so Alegrias. Good news travels by duplicate it seems.
Wonder who printed first?
Not that it matters.