Still told to 'get over it, it's done.

Well Switzerland has a truly unique position, and are very lucky not to have had to make the choice, so far, and more or less have 'cake and eat it'. They are part of Schengen, and they do have excellent trading deal with the EU. But they do not sit at the top table and do not have MEPs.

The UK also had excellent conditions not available to others, but chose to get rid. Not a very clever move, on all fronts.

It has full access to the EU markets for everything, with ease and without all the red tape. In times of shortages, it is in an enviable position.

I wondered how costs of living compared, for instance.

I agree, the referendum should have been more advisory with a box to tick for those wishing for an intermediate, less political membership, retaining trade agreements.

Too late now, water under the bridge and we must move on and make the best of it.

Barleyfields

But, Mollygo, as I understand it Claremont lives in and broadcasts to us from Switzerland which is outside the EU.

Well Switzerland didn’t do so well during Covid. We, along with several local people caught Covid there, probably because none of the locals work masks or kept at a distance. The locals we were staying weren’t in raptures about their medical system either, but I don’t know if any of them went to Madagascar and contributed to the habitat issues there.

It also produces a lot of the medicines the UK relies on.
So according to what Claremont avers above we shouldn’t see any difference re medicines from Switzerland, with not being in the EU, since Switzerland is not in the EU either.

You obviously don't read my posts, so no point in replying.

''Well Switzerland has a truly unique position, and are very lucky not to have had to make the choice, so far, and more or less have 'cake and eat it'. They are part of Schengen, and they do have excellent trading deal with the EU. But they do not sit at the top table and do not have MEPs.

The UK also had excellent conditions not available to others, but chose to get rid. Not a very clever move, on all fronts.

It has full access to the EU markets for everything, with ease and without all the red tape. In times of shortages, it is in an enviable position.''

Allira

I wondered how costs of living compared, for instance.

I agree, the referendum should have been more advisory with a box to tick for those wishing for an intermediate, less political membership, retaining trade agreements.

Too late now, water under the bridge and we must move on and make the best of it.

The cost of living is high in Switzerland.
It's one of the most expensive countries in the world, where modest taxes are offset by high costs for insurance, travel, services, and food.

I like your box to tick idea, but I’m not sure the EU was prepared to give any leeway at that time.

Mollygo

Allira

I wondered how costs of living compared, for instance.

I agree, the referendum should have been more advisory with a box to tick for those wishing for an intermediate, less political membership, retaining trade agreements.

Too late now, water under the bridge and we must move on and make the best of it.

The cost of living is high in Switzerland.
It's one of the most expensive countries in the world, where modest taxes are offset by high costs for insurance, travel, services, and food.

I like your box to tick idea, but I’m not sure the EU was prepared to give any leeway at that time.

No, it could have been advisory only then negotiations could have taken place.

Anyway - no good crying over spilt milk. Mop it up and start again.

Claremont, I’m wondering if you’re related to my distant cousin.
She, much better off than we were as children, used to spend a lot of time boasting about all the things she could have that she knew we couldn’t afford, evidently getting great enjoyment from doing so. Not a ‘nice’ trait.

Switzerland also had a pretty unique position, of its own choosing, in WW2. And has a banking system happy to allow despots and tax evaders and other criminals to maintain secret accounts.

But weren’t the UK net contributors of the EU? Yes we got access but on the whole we did put into the coffers more than we got out. It cost us very dearly overall. Less affluent countries do very well within the EU as it’s a sort of ‘levelling up’ exercise. No wonder they love it.

However, To be honest I’m glad we are out.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

But weren’t the UK net contributors of the EU? Yes we got access but on the whole we did put into the coffers more than we got out. It cost us very dearly overall. Less affluent countries do very well within the EU as it’s a sort of ‘levelling up’ exercise. No wonder they love it.

However, To be honest I’m glad we are out.

Oh yes, a Croatian friend could not understand why the majority vote was to leave. The EU - it gives you lots of money!

Mollygo

Claremont, I’m wondering if you’re related to my distant cousin.
She, much better off than we were as children, used to spend a lot of time boasting about all the things she could have that she knew we couldn’t afford, evidently getting great enjoyment from doing so. Not a ‘nice’ trait.

Where on earth have I done that?

This thread is about the UK, for British people who are all the victims of the disastrous effects of Brexit, like you and me. What on earth has this got to do with Switzerland, which I never introduced in the converstation.

The Swiss do have very high salaries and standard of living. Nothing to do with us Brits.

Barleyfields

Switzerland also had a pretty unique position, of its own choosing, in WW2. And has a banking system happy to allow despots and tax evaders and other criminals to maintain secret accounts.

Indeed, what on earth has this got to do with this thread?

You mentioned its unique position.

Barleyfields

You mentioned its unique position.

Switzerland is unique in the world, imo.

Not better, just unique.

Claremont

Barleyfields

Switzerland also had a pretty unique position, of its own choosing, in WW2. And has a banking system happy to allow despots and tax evaders and other criminals to maintain secret accounts.

Indeed, what on earth has this got to do with this thread?

It looks as though some people think you live in Switzerland and not the UK.. Claremont.. not sure why or even if it's relevant to your thoughts about the EU

Totally irrelevant. There are quite a few British citizens on GN who live abroad and are on UK pensions and seriously affected, as well as their family back in UK. 100% irrelevant to the subject of the massive damage, on all fronts, done by Brexit.

Perhaps you would do better venting on some expats forum rather than continuing to harangue us, with predictable responses?

Barleyfields

Perhaps you would do better venting on some expats forum rather than continuing to harangue us, with predictable responses?

Claremont, It’s the endless repetition . . . and the seeming enjoyment you seem to get from gloating about something that we can’t change.

Not your choice to make, Why should I? Absolutely none of your business, and actual harrassment.

Of course we can change the future, and we will.

Barleyfields

Perhaps you would do better venting on some expats forum rather than continuing to harangue us, with predictable responses?

I don’t regard Claremont as an ex pat and am quite happy for her to air her views on what is happening in this country. I don’t see what right you have to say this.

Of course we can change the future. Nobody has said we can’t.
What you can’t do is change the past, unless you’re starring in Quantum Leap.

Mollygo

Of course we can change the future. Nobody has said we can’t.
What you can’t do is change the past, unless you’re starring in Quantum Leap.

And this is exactly whatI suggest we do. Brexit is not done, and never has been. But we can change what it means in the future, improve on trade deal, rejoin customs union - the future can be influenced. And the current effects are real.

Back to the OP- if only a very small minority is now in favour of the Brexit we have, then it is time for change. Shortages of all sorts, and security issues in a very dangerous world, make this even more important than it ever was at the time.

I know nothing about you- and you know nothing about me.

What shortages?

MayBee70

Barleyfields

Perhaps you would do better venting on some expats forum rather than continuing to harangue us, with predictable responses?

I don’t regard Claremont as an ex pat and am quite happy for her to air her views on what is happening in this country. I don’t see what right you have to say this.

No, I don't regard Claremont as an ex-pat either.

Ex-pat
a person who lives outside their native country.