EU referendum, brexit and the aftermath

Interesting observation by Ian Dunt - he thinks talks will progress to stage two now as the EU will persuade the Irish Government to avoid vetoing it, at this stage, as it would guarantee a 'No Deal' Brexit. Which could potentially cause a recession in Ireland.

I can see this. Although I'm not entirely sure it's not the natural/neutral position of the EU in this case to not propose a solution. I guess the word just caught me off guard. It insinuated (to me, in that context) the idea that the EU was trying to stifle any potential deal.

UK/NI/Eire is unuque geography, (with the possible exception of those tiny bits of land on the Belgian/Dutch border). The EU doesn't have a law/rule/policy for such an unlikely situation. It was always up to the Leave campaign to devise a workable resolution. Leaving the Customs Union means there has to be a border.

This is the current situation on the EU border: https://www.total-croatia-news.com/lifestyle/17956-longer-waiting-times-expected-on-croatia-s-borders

I can see this. Although I'm not entirely sure it's not the natural/neutral position of the EU in this case to not propose a solution. I guess the word just caught me off guard. It insinuated (to me, in that context) the idea that the EU was trying to stifle any potential deal.

I didn't read it like that personally.

And it would be really out of character for him. Hence my confusion.

But what's cunning about the EU not having a position?

I think he's trying to suggest that the EU is Baldrick to the UK's Blackadder.

Sorry I'm just posting stuff from Twitter at the moment:

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I hope that’s rapidly followed by the UK deciding EFTA is quite a good idea after all. On verra.

I thought the existing EFTA members had already stated the UK would not be welcome,
as it would immediately become the GDP/population/etc 'leader',
and,
distort any future discussions with the EU?

No. Mostly they just think we’d be stupid to give up the chance to shape the rules as an EU member.

Or possibly both...

Okay, Norway is a bit ambivalent.
http://www.newsinenglish.no/2017/08/31/new-brexit-anxiety-as-talks-resume/

Swiss warmer
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/post-brexit_switzerland-is--open-to--britain-rejoining-efta/42609748

Iceland keen
https://www.politico.eu/article/icelandic-foreign-minister-to-uk-please-join-efta/

I think the main worry is whether the UK would spend its entire time saying it didn’t want to be in EFTA either and kicking up a fuss.

UK: We want to take back control of our borders.

Ireland: What about this one?

UK: That’s your problem.

Don't worry everyone, I'm going to a 'Can Brexit be stopped?' talk tonight with Gina Miller. I'll report back tomorrow.

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And this could be the catalyst that finally makes people realise Brexit is a bad idea

https://inews.co.uk/essentials/lifestyle/food-and-drink/shrinking-terrys-chocolate-orange-doubles-price-supermarkets/

We were in a pretty shitty situation when we joined the EU so I don't hold out much hope for this

Very good

We're utterly fucked aren't we?

Just think of the Blue Passport and grit your teeth.

I'm fucking colour blind.

Now that is a weird fetish.

Don't worry. It's not just the colour. It'll be hard-backed, with a lot more heft. Ideal for slapping down on the airport customs desk after the massive queue. You'll appreciate the difference when it's in hand.

interesting perspective. i like it.