The problem with this idea is the same as with almost all other brexit thinking in the UK: There is a complete lack of awareness that there are 27 other nations involved.
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Do you really think the European Commission would refuse to discuss an improved or adapted Canada-like trade deal with UK, given that it would only be hypothetical, in view of the importance of the United Kingdom, both in Europe and in the world?
What I do really think is that there is a lack of awareness that 27 other nations are involved. I take talking about the EC to be a confirmation.
P.J. Denyer
Penultimate Amazing
How about if due to changing circumstances or better information the majority decide that what they wanted before is no longer the best option and therefore to override their previous decision?
Amazer
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The problem is that you will need all the member states and the European Council to unanimously agree to such an extension of article 50. That that will happen is not a given... and certainly not till there is at least the outline of a workable solution that deals the Irish issue. That would require some major policy shifts by either the EU or the UK... neither of which I see happening.
I'm sure they'd love to discuss it, at length.
Meanwhile the Article 50 deadline approaches.
It wouldn't end well for the UK.
Jack by the hedge
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What they should have done is what Vote Leave assured the voters would be done if they voted to leave: they should have negotiated the future deal before triggering Article 50.
Yes, the EU shrugged and pointed out there was no process to do that. But (1) that suits me fine as I'm happy to wait indefinitely and (2) the proper response would be to solve that problem and not to light the fuse on Article 50 anyway, just assuming everything will probably just kinda work out somehow.
Yes, the EU shrugged and pointed out there was no process to do that. But (1) that suits me fine as I'm happy to wait indefinitely and (2) the proper response would be to solve that problem and not to light the fuse on Article 50 anyway, just assuming everything will probably just kinda work out somehow.
Lukraak_Sisser
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The problems is, the UK might be important in Europe and somewhat relevant on the world stage, but nowhere near as important as the leave camp seems to think it is.
I know that Donald "America first!" Trump promised the moon if the UK would just leave that dastardly EU, but does anyone really believe that?
This is not a UK only problem by the way. All European nations on their own are minor players on the international stage. And many nations would love to see the EU split up so they can start playing nations off against each other.
Only together we can make any form of fist.
In a way I hope the UK gets its act together, but on the other hand, watching the UK crash if they step out without a deal and become the playground of the US/China trade war might be an incentive for the rest of Europe to see the benefits of a common market and policies.
Archie Gemmill Goal
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I'm sure they would be willing to discuss it. And in fact have been all along but the problem is that the '+' suggested by BoJo and his ilk is usually magic and/or unicorns.
The EU have spelled out the options available to the UK from memory I think there were 7 models with various levels of integration . The problem is that the UK want some from the top, some from the bottom and some from the middle not to mention some from a completely different board.
Archie Gemmill Goal
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And you've nailed why Trump and his ilk want to see the UK break away. Weakening the UK and leaving it easy meat but also weakening the EU to some extent. The 'populist' movement idea is a joke. The strings are pulled by financial interests as always.
If they can chip off the UK, then next they will try to chip off Italy, Austria, Spain or wherever they think they can energise the local gammon community to do their dirty work or them.
Of course only one set of people have been stupid enough to vote to and actually attempt to leave the EU. Well done English gammon.
Here's what you probably remember:
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/sit...e_presented_by_barnier_at_euco_15-12-2017.pdf
It's from last year...
American donors are giving money to US fundraising bodies that pass the donations to four thinktanks in Britain. A Guardian analysis has established that $5.6m (£4.3m) has been donated to these US entities since 2008.
https://www.theguardian.com/politic...e-millions-to-support-rightwing-uk-thinktanks
Archie Gemmill Goal
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That's the fella. The question then was which of these models do you want? Not...can you come up with a completely unworkable proposal which ignores all the existing models because you think the laws of reality don't apply to you.
abaddon
Penultimate Amazing
abaddon
Penultimate Amazing
Ironic. The rejection of closer union that bothers you so much is likely to result in the dissolution of the union you want to keep.
fagin
Philosopher
Fixed that for you.
What union do I want to keep? You think the UK? If you think that then you've not bothered to read my posts in these Brexit threads. If Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales want to leave the UK that's fine with me.
fagin
Philosopher
Why am I not surprised. Bloody ginger foreigners.
Archie Gemmill Goal
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I said what I meant.
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