I don't recall anyone saying no one would trade with the UK, which would be silly, simply that the process of setting up such trade deals would be lengthy, and injurious to the country's economic welfare in the short term, and that the terms of such deals were likely to be less favourable than current deals as part of the EU.
Switzerland, never a member of EU, shares free trade with the union and free movement of people as part of the Schengen zone.
Isn't the requirement to accept free movement of people one of the main reason why Leavers want out?
Personally I have no issue with free movement within Schengen as it is almost impossible for the Schengen countries to control their borders. As an island I think we have more control.
Schengen has been a 'red herring' in this, as it actually makes no difference to the British as we still have to show our passport as we enter and leave the Schengen area. This does not change whether we are in or out. It may change if the EU Schengen countries decide they need more control over their own borders and re-instate border controls - hence leaving Schengen.
The difference is whether we have to allow (potentially) unlimited European Passport holders into the UK to live and work. That the Swiss have not signed up to.
I recognise that many Brits live and work abroad, but that has always been so, just as many Europeans live and work in Britain. No sensible person is saying this has to halt, what we are saying is it should be within the control of the UK Government. The current system is actually discriminatory (against non-EU passport holders), I prefer a Global to a European approach.
Working for a Spanish bank, I've been going around shaking hands and saying "It was nice to know you, you're booked on the first flight from Luton tomorrow morning"
Message from my daughter (who has voted in), which I wholeheartedly endorse:
Whichever way you want to vote today, make sure you do. Don't be bullied or feel embarrassed for what you truly believe, whether that's a vote to remain or to leave. Don't let anyone tell you not to vote. The more people that vote, the more democratic the result and then hopefully whoever 'loses' will do so graciously. This is probably the most important vote we'll have in our lifetime, so make sure your voice is heard.
Thankful that our lives will no longer be blighted by too many one-sided statistics, blatant exaggerations, extreme bias, nasty rhetoric, and lies from too many people from both sides.
Whatever the result, I hope the losing side will accept the democratic decision without moaning, I hope the winning side without crowing.
I hope that disingenuous politicians, not all but far too many of them, learn that they need to earn back some respect, and stop treating their electorate like gullible fools. For those that don't, I hope they get deselected by their local parties or voted out by their electorates.
It's up to us to vote for the kind of people we want, not necessarily for the party that we prefer. We have the power to change the way politics is played in the UK. It is up to us.
Had a surreal moment in the village square just now. Speaking to two late middle aged lady voters I know just coming back from the hall from voting. When I asked how they had voted, they both said 'leave'. When I asked why, one of them said, "well, we want to be independant and keep the Royal Family".... The other one nodded I am truly speechless at the astonishing ignorance of some of our voters - after all the available facts to read, that could possibly be a reaction/reason ?? I am depressed ;doh
One is voters who are clearly on a strange tangent (bbb's example above)
The other is the plethora of unsubstantiated tripe being peddled by BOTH sides.
The simple fact is no-one knows what will happen - there is no precedent for this kind of thing at all - so Joe Bloggs on the street's opinion is no less valid than a so called expert like, say, Sir Stuart Rose
So a lot of people, like myself will have gone with their gut instinct.
We have a reasonable idea what will happen if we stay based on experience but we have little or no idea of what will happen if we leave because we do not have that experience.
IMO, what will happen is that things would get worse short term and better long term with a Brexit, as often happens when a period of change happens. That has underpinned my thinking.
I also get though that that point of view won't necessarily resonate with many out there (53% to be precise ;lol)
When I asked why, one of them said, "well, we want to be independant and keep the Royal Family".... The other one nodded
All that talk of sovereignty got them confused. ;lol
Could have been worse - they could have voted Leave so we could go back to 'old money'. ;puzzled
Don't be depressed - console yourself that they were just winding you up. They are even now sat at home knocking back tequila slammers and laughing at the gullibility of the young. ;pray
(Ps, just edited your naughty word in your earlier rant ;hug )
A referendum was a very big mistake. The threat of having one was our only weapon when trying to negotiate or get concessions. With a remain vote being likely we will never be in a position to have any influence at all in future. Merkel has us by the short and curlies. The pathetic renegotiation which Cameron never really achieved hasn't yet and probably never will be ratified.
A referendum was a very big mistake. The threat of having one was our only weapon when trying to negotiate or get concessions. With a remain vote being likely we will never be in a position to have any influence at all in future. Merkel has us by the short and curlies. The pathetic renegotiation which Cameron never really achieved hasn't yet and probably never will be ratified.
If they know you are never going to use it then where's the deterrent?
Comments
I don't recall anyone saying no one would trade with the UK, which would be silly, simply that the process of setting up such trade deals would be lengthy, and injurious to the country's economic welfare in the short term, and that the terms of such deals were likely to be less favourable than current deals as part of the EU.
Schengen has been a 'red herring' in this, as it actually makes no difference to the British as we still have to show our passport as we enter and leave the Schengen area. This does not change whether we are in or out. It may change if the EU Schengen countries decide they need more control over their own borders and re-instate border controls - hence leaving Schengen.
The difference is whether we have to allow (potentially) unlimited European Passport holders into the UK to live and work. That the Swiss have not signed up to.
I recognise that many Brits live and work abroad, but that has always been so, just as many Europeans live and work in Britain. No sensible person is saying this has to halt, what we are saying is it should be within the control of the UK Government. The current system is actually discriminatory (against non-EU passport holders), I prefer a Global to a European approach.
#Remain
Is that the OK-UK?
Getting some funny looks ;lol
Whichever way you want to vote today, make sure you do. Don't be bullied or feel embarrassed for what you truly believe, whether that's a vote to remain or to leave. Don't let anyone tell you not to vote. The more people that vote, the more democratic the result and then hopefully whoever 'loses' will do so graciously. This is probably the most important vote we'll have in our lifetime, so make sure your voice is heard.
Post-referendum hopes.
Thankful that our lives will no longer be blighted by too many one-sided statistics, blatant exaggerations, extreme bias, nasty rhetoric, and lies from too many people from both sides.
Whatever the result, I hope the losing side will accept the democratic decision without moaning, I hope the winning side without crowing.
I hope that disingenuous politicians, not all but far too many of them, learn that they need to earn back some respect, and stop treating their electorate like gullible fools. For those that don't, I hope they get deselected by their local parties or voted out by their electorates.
It's up to us to vote for the kind of people we want, not necessarily for the party that we prefer. We have the power to change the way politics is played in the UK. It is up to us.
#teamin
;hmm
O! Meet Rav in. ;thumbsup
Speaking to two late middle aged lady voters I know just coming back from the hall from voting. When I asked how they had voted, they both said 'leave'.
When I asked why, one of them said, "well, we want to be independant and keep the Royal Family".... The other one nodded
I am truly speechless at the astonishing ignorance of some of our voters - after all the available facts to read, that could possibly be a reaction/reason ??
I am depressed ;doh
One is voters who are clearly on a strange tangent (bbb's example above)
The other is the plethora of unsubstantiated tripe being peddled by BOTH sides.
The simple fact is no-one knows what will happen - there is no precedent for this kind of thing at all - so Joe Bloggs on the street's opinion is no less valid than a so called expert like, say, Sir Stuart Rose
So a lot of people, like myself will have gone with their gut instinct.
We have a reasonable idea what will happen if we stay based on experience but we have little or no idea of what will happen if we leave because we do not have that experience.
IMO of course ;ok
You can vote against, but that don't mean they won't get in again anyway.
Trust me on this...
IMO, what will happen is that things would get worse short term and better long term with a Brexit, as often happens when a period of change happens. That has underpinned my thinking.
I also get though that that point of view won't necessarily resonate with many out there (53% to be precise ;lol)
Could have been worse - they could have voted Leave so we could go back to 'old money'. ;puzzled
Don't be depressed - console yourself that they were just winding you up. They are even now sat at home knocking back tequila slammers and laughing at the gullibility of the young. ;pray
(Ps, just edited your naughty word in your earlier rant ;hug )
;champagne ;cappuccino ;stout ;redwine ;pizza ;scooter ;icecream ;rose ;adrian
They will in due course be replaced, but the negotiation may take some time. ;biggrin
You'll have to make do with ;beer ;tea ;porkpie
Not until Ms Merkel says we are allowed to.
;wink