Three Towns Forum

Members' Lounge => Politics & Current Affairs => Topic started by: Fester on October 13, 2016, 11:23:49 am

Title: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on October 13, 2016, 11:23:49 am
Marmite and many other leading brands are already going up in price.
The weak pound is the over riding reason... a battle between retailers and manufacturers will ensue, but the ultimate loser will be the consumer.
The thin end of a very big wedge perhaps?
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: mull on October 13, 2016, 11:54:00 am
This is only the start.

Gove , Boris , Redwood and the other passengers on the Brexit bus never mentioned this.
Whats the bet within a very short space of time we are all going to be a lot poorer, unless you have managed to stash plenty of money offshore as most of the prominent leavers have, or do I read Private Eye too much.

How have we got into this mess ? Who in thier right mind would agree something without FULLY investigating the cost ?
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on October 13, 2016, 01:21:12 pm
This is only the start.

Gove , Boris , Redwood and the other passengers on the Brexit bus never mentioned this.
Whats the bet within a very short space of time we are all going to be a lot poorer, unless you have managed to stash plenty of money offshore as most of the prominent leavers have, or do I read Private Eye too much.

How have we got into this mess ? Who in thier right mind would agree something without FULLY investigating the cost ?

David Cameron took a gamble, to further consolidate his position, but lost spectacularly.
Politicians brought us here.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: born2run on October 14, 2016, 08:42:51 am
I was learning about TTIP yesterday and how those principals might flood the free market which come out of Brexit. Very scary stuff. We're dooooooooooomed I tell ya. Soon we'll all be eating giant chemical chickens which are 4 minutes old, then having to pay a grand to get treated at the hospital for the dodgy stomachs "Mutant Chick" will inevitably bring us!
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on October 16, 2016, 12:27:17 pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37670091 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37670091)

Here is that dangerous  idiot Boris Johnson, writing a newspaper column in February 2016, clearly stating that Brexit is a terrible thing.... and advocating REMAIN!
All the risks he cites if we 'Leave', are exactly the opposite to what he campaigned for only a few weeks later.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on July 10, 2017, 12:50:34 am
Here we go,,, Brexit to bring higher food prices, lower availability and poorer quality.
What a surprise.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40530700 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40530700)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on July 14, 2017, 12:14:45 pm
I read the article about Ryanair yesterday     http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/ryanair-brexit-michael-oleary-open-skies-eu-european-parliament-a7836511.htmlyesterday, (http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/ryanair-brexit-michael-oleary-open-skies-eu-european-parliament-a7836511.htmlyesterday,)     and thought " Scare tactics ",   now todays story on Easyjet     http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40604375 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40604375)  Makes you think how many others?
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on July 14, 2017, 02:47:54 pm
In terms of Ryanair, we should be so lucky.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: mull on July 14, 2017, 06:40:34 pm
Ryanair not involved. Eire is not leaving the EU.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on July 14, 2017, 07:42:50 pm
No, but Ryanair might leave the UK.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Bosun on July 15, 2017, 07:41:29 am
Not just Ryan Air, here goes Easyjet....

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jul/14/easyjet-austria-eu-flights-brexit (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jul/14/easyjet-austria-eu-flights-brexit)

More and more politicians and business leaders are coming out to publicly state that Brexit will be the disaster that some of us always thought that it would be, why they could not have said this openly before the referendum I've no idea. The lies the 'Leavers' told have been exposed as just that, lies, and the future is dire for our children. The validity and binding of the country to the referendum result is under open debate with the Lib Dems stating as policy their intention for a further referendum. But what exactly is the Labour policy? 
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on July 15, 2017, 07:52:48 am
I suspect the big problem around the last Brexit ref. was that it didn't matter what either side said. Essentially, what seems to have swayed most were the scare stories about mass immigration from Turkey and Northern Africa and the Pro-Brexit voters thought they could simply pull up the drawbridge and nestle down safely, stopping all those nasty foreigners getting in.  What they chose not to notice was that the bulk of our immigration wasn't the EU: it was Commonwealth, and specifically Pakistan and India.   
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Bosun on July 15, 2017, 11:06:57 am
Ian, you are more than likely correct that the issues you describe added to the hysteria of 'Leave' as did a woefully lacklustre and insipid 'Remain' campaign. However, looking to the future and reading all the comment, it appears that there is a growing realisation of the horrors of Brexit, and a growing movement to put it right.

Realistically? I wonder what the future holds.

Is speculation good for the soul? 
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on July 15, 2017, 11:52:31 pm
I would wager a tidy sum that there will be NO Brexit.
You heard it here first.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Hugo on July 16, 2017, 12:22:52 pm
I'm afraid that Brexit will continue, you can't change your mind just because things are not looking good at present.   It was the first past the post system just like it was at the General Election.
Look what has happened to the Tory Party since then, it has imploded on itself but that doesn't mean that they should go     It's the system we have and we are stuck with it because neither of the two largest parties want to change it.
Hammond's comments today can't have helped the Tory party either,   MP's are public sector employees so is he including these MP's in his latest comments?



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40623343 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40623343)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Bosun on July 16, 2017, 02:39:47 pm
I'm afraid that Brexit will continue, you can't change your mind just because things are not looking good at present.   It was the first past the post system just like it was at the General Election.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40623343 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40623343)

Very interesting. Apart from the fact that whilst General Elections in the UK are legal binding, the Brexit Referendum was 'advisory'.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Hugo on July 16, 2017, 02:52:00 pm
If it's not binding then what is the point of it all.     Do the remain camp want to turn it into a lottery and make it the best out of 3 then?
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on July 16, 2017, 03:37:55 pm
Constitutionally, we don't govern by plebiscite. Any referendum is merely advisory.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Hugo on July 16, 2017, 03:49:54 pm
Constitutionally, we don't govern by plebiscite. Any referendum is merely advisory.

Maybe, but we seem to be governed by plebs or am I mistaken?   
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on July 16, 2017, 05:15:11 pm
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Bosun on August 03, 2017, 04:18:44 pm
There's hope yet.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/03/second-brexit-referendum-case-getting-stronger-political-deadlock-life-raft (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/03/second-brexit-referendum-case-getting-stronger-political-deadlock-life-raft)

Otherwise there's not.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Bosun on August 09, 2017, 11:27:30 pm
Oh, how I agree.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/aug/09/brexit-political-party-james-chapman-david-davis (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/aug/09/brexit-political-party-james-chapman-david-davis)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on September 01, 2017, 10:08:52 pm
What an utter FARCE the Brexit negotiations are.
A complete waste of time, and utterly counter productive.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SDQ on November 13, 2017, 03:22:26 pm
John Redwood is unbelievable!

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/john-redwood-brexit_uk_5a08cb50e4b0e37d2f3833c4 (http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/john-redwood-brexit_uk_5a08cb50e4b0e37d2f3833c4)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on March 15, 2018, 11:21:36 am
I’m in a hotel in Tenerife, and I’m sick of hearing all these coffin dodgers saying that they are upset about paying more than 25% more for the same annual holiday.... when they all voted Brexit FFS!    Why couldn’t they foresee this?
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on March 15, 2018, 12:19:35 pm
I’m in a hotel in Tenerife, and I’m sick of hearing all these coffin dodgers saying that they are upset about paying more than 25% more for the same annual holiday.... when they all voted Brexit FFS!    Why couldn’t they foresee this?

Glad you are having a good time.      $sunny$ $sunny$
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on March 15, 2018, 02:23:23 pm
And just to cheer you up:

Driving Licence problems following Brexit.

Article on Petrol Prices website concerning non-validity of UK driving licences when driving abroad post Brexit

https://www.petrolprices.com/news/uk-licences-not-accepted-brexit/ (https://www.petrolprices.com/news/uk-licences-not-accepted-brexit/)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on March 15, 2018, 02:55:12 pm
It’s the tip of the iceberg Ian.
The REAL problems will be seen very soon now, with availability problems in the supermarkets, and the horrendous price rises that will bring.
This is one of the main reasons we are actively looking to move from the U.K.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: DaveR on March 16, 2018, 08:40:40 am
It’s the tip of the iceberg Ian.
The REAL problems will be seen very soon now, with availability problems in the supermarkets, and the horrendous price rises that will bring.
This is one of the main reasons we are actively looking to move from the U.K.
I don't wish to spoil the hysteria by mentioning facts but...

Looking at the chart shows that the pound was worth less against the Euro than it is today at some point of the year in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The current value feels lower because of an unusual spike back in 2015.

https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y (https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Merddin Emrys on March 16, 2018, 09:37:36 am
It’s the tip of the iceberg Ian.
The REAL problems will be seen very soon now, with availability problems in the supermarkets, and the horrendous price rises that will bring.
This is one of the main reasons we are actively looking to move from the U.K.

You are planning to leave the U K! Seems drastic! Where would you live?  Z@@
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on March 16, 2018, 10:45:52 am

I don't wish to spoil the hysteria by mentioning facts but...

Looking at the chart shows that the pound was worth less against the Euro than it is today at some point of the year in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The current value feels lower because of an unusual spike back in 2015.

https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y (https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y)

But there's another way of reading that chart, Dave. When you say "The current value feels lower because of an unusual spike back in 2015" it's also possible to say "The general trend prior to the Referendum was for a steadily rising pound. The referendum result reversed that trend..."

Statistics, eh?



Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: DaveR on March 16, 2018, 10:57:59 am

I don't wish to spoil the hysteria by mentioning facts but...

Looking at the chart shows that the pound was worth less against the Euro than it is today at some point of the year in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The current value feels lower because of an unusual spike back in 2015.

https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y (https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y)

But there's another way of reading that chart, Dave. When you say "The current value feels lower because of an unusual spike back in 2015" it's also possible to say "The general trend prior to the Referendum was for a steadily rising pound. The referendum result reversed that trend..."

Statistics, eh?
Not unless you're looking at a different chart to me! The Pound peaked in July 2015, well over 11 months before the EU Referendum took place in June 2016.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on March 16, 2018, 11:53:32 am
It’s not just the exchange rate, which has been terrible since the Brexit vote.
It’s steadily increasing prices of fresh produce, and also the threat of availability of said produce.
Therefore having a meal out abroad now is even more costly than Llandudno and that’s saying something!

Like many companies, the one my wife works for has a high degree of E European employees, and they are reliant on migrant labour and swift border crossings for goods.
Her bosses warned that Brexit would severely impact their business.
Now, 18 months on, they have been forced to abandon plans to open a new transport hub in the midlands, and have instead began building it in the Czech Republic.
Business is business after all.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on March 16, 2018, 12:24:41 pm

I don't wish to spoil the hysteria by mentioning facts but...

Looking at the chart shows that the pound was worth less against the Euro than it is today at some point of the year in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. The current value feels lower because of an unusual spike back in 2015.

https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y (https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y)

But there's another way of reading that chart, Dave. When you say "The current value feels lower because of an unusual spike back in 2015" it's also possible to say "The general trend prior to the Referendum was for a steadily rising pound. The referendum result reversed that trend..."

Statistics, eh?
Not unless you're looking at a different chart to me! The Pound peaked in July 2015, well over 11 months before the EU Referendum took place in June 2016.

But it was announced  in February 2016, and - historically- each peak has been followed by a fall - about the same as the one which preceded the announcement.  After the announcement, however, the fall continued - and continued. Now, the root causes may differ, but whichever way you look at that graph the referendum is what immediately preceded the drastic falls, and was, therefore, probably was the causal factor.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on June 06, 2018, 12:09:51 pm
Reading this article, a couple of comments, made me pause........

Recruitment agencies are warning that they cannot secure the number of workers needed by British farmers to pick their fruit and vegetables.
Over half of recruitment companies could not find the labour even in the "quiet" first months of this year, the Association of Labour Providers says.

Ninety-nine percent of seasonal workers on British farms come from Eastern Europe. Two-thirds of these come from Romania and Bulgaria.

30 years after the Romanian Revolution of 1989 and the fall of the communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu, its economy is growing at 6.9%. That's almost three times the rate of Britain's.

"The English pick and choose what they want to do and leave the harder jobs for the foreigners," he told BBC News.
"There are a lot of English people that could work the fields and not let the fruit rot"

"Defra and the Home Office are working closely to ensure the labour needs of the agriculture sector are met once we leave the EU.

"We have been clear that up until December 2020, employers in the agricultural and food processing sectors will be free to recruit EU citizens to fill vacancies and those arriving to work will be able to stay in the UK afterwards."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44230865 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44230865)



Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on June 06, 2018, 05:52:48 pm
... and so it came to pass, like I predicted.
Brexit effects will now come more and more to the fore.
The NHS is in the same situation, trying to attract staff from cleaners right up to specialist surgeons.
The net effect of the lack of workers in the field will be two fold.
Lack of availability, and INFLATION!

Entirely predictable for anyone with a brain cell.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: DaveR on June 07, 2018, 08:32:43 am
"The English pick and choose what they want to do and leave the harder jobs for the foreigners," he told BBC News.
"There are a lot of English people that could work the fields and not let the fruit rot"
...and that's the problem, nothing to do with Brexit. The idea that the country the size of the UK needs to be dependent upon attracting foreign labour is ridiculous. Pulling in qualified medical staff from poorer countries around the the world smacks almost of colonial arrogance, these staff should be treating sick people in their own countries.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on June 07, 2018, 03:47:29 pm
We can debate the semantics all day, but the fact remains that we are heading for shortages and high inflation.
This is on top of the current skill and labour shortages in the NHS.
The Brexit effect either causes it, or exacerbates it.
Whichever it is, the fact remains that you and I will still be paying the same higher price for the things we need, if they are available all.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on August 01, 2018, 12:48:20 pm
Something that has never crossed my mind, and quite scary, another hidden Brexit problem.

French company Sanofi is beginning to stockpile drugs in preparation for a hard Brexit.
The company is increasing its stocks by four weeks to give it a 14 week supply of medicines in case of any disruption to supply caused by a no-deal Brexit.
Extra supplies of a wide range of products, including insulin, are being built up.
Sanofi is worried about any transport delays following Brexit, as most of its supplies have to cross the Channel.

Wider problem
Last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the NHS in England was preparing to stockpile medicines and blood in case the UK left the EU without a deal. He told the Health Select Committee that he had asked the department to work up options for stockpiling by industry"

"We are working with industry for the potential need for stockpiling in the event of a no-deal Brexit," Mr Hancock said last week.

Other pharmaceutical companies have also begun to increase their stock piles. Last month, AstraZeneca said it was increasing drug stockpiles by about 20% in preparation for a no-deal Brexit.

It is not just pharmaceutical companies that are talking about stockpiling.

Plane manufacturer Airbus has said it may have to build supplies as its operates as "just in time" supply chain that replies on frictionless trade across the EU. UK engine maker Rolls-Royce has also warned about the need to stockpile parts.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45028842 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45028842)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on August 01, 2018, 02:09:54 pm
 The JIT (Just In Time) model is used by all the major supermarkets, too.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Fester on August 02, 2018, 07:05:51 pm
The army being utilised and stockpiling of medicines.
Is it really to late bring an end to this lunacy?
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on September 15, 2018, 01:10:23 pm
Some interesting positive comments in this piece.

The luxury goods maker Chanel has told the BBC it's elected to set up its global office in the UK.
For the first time in its 110-year history, the brand is gathering the majority of its global business functions under one roof.

"wanted to simplify the structure of the business and London is the most appropriate place to do that for an international company. London is the most central location for our markets, uses the English language and has strong corporate governance standards with its regulatory and legal requirements".   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45517279 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45517279)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on September 18, 2018, 12:37:15 pm
I wasn't sure if this would interest anyone, but at the end of the piece I noticed over 1,000 comments, so...........

EU workers coming to the UK should be given "no preference" for visas after Brexit, says a new report.

The Migration Advisory Committee also recommends that it should be easier for higher-skilled workers to migrate to the country.
It has called on the government to scrap a limit on highly-skilled workers altogether - currently 20,700 each year from non-EU countries.
The government has said it will "carefully consider" the proposals.

The MAC was asked to do the research in July 2017 by then Home Secretary Amber Rudd. It is thought the report will shape the government's post-Brexit immigration policy.
It comes as latest figures showed that net migration from the EU was at its lowest level since 2012 - with the number of EU citizens coming to look for work down by a third to 37,000 and overall net migration at 282,000.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45556246 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45556246)


PS If you are still interested  :-\
What British people think about Brexit now
By Sir John Curtice
Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45520517 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45520517)

I really must get out more.  ;)
Honda: No-deal Brexit 'would cost tens of millions.
Supply chain risks
Like other carmakers in Britian, Honda only stores about an hour's worth of components at its Swindon plant to keep costs down.

Instead it relies on about 350 truckloads of parts that are delivered from the continent each day.
Mr Howells said the loss of "frictionless trade" in this supply chain would harm its production output and competitiveness.
"If we are shipping and competing against a European manufacturer in Europe, they are not incurring those tariffs," he said.
"And in the UK it would be the componentry cost that would be the main additional burden we would have to carry for UK customers."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45558424 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45558424)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on November 13, 2018, 12:25:02 pm
AAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaBisto         DONT PANIC.

Bisto owner plans Brexit stockpile.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46191729 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46191729)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on December 14, 2018, 01:58:25 pm
Britons will have to pay €7 (£6.30) every three years to travel to EU countries, as a consequence of Brexit.

The European Commission has confirmed that while UK travellers will not need a visa, they will need to apply for and buy another document.

It is called an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) and although not launched yet, is expected to come into force in 2021.
The travel requirement is not just for the UK but for many non-EU countries.   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46564884 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46564884)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on December 15, 2018, 08:39:49 am
I have to say I have no idea what will happen. There's usually an element of predictability in these sorts of situations but not in this one.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: DaveR on December 20, 2018, 08:37:57 am
Jeremy Corbyn makes me laugh. He has been given open goals by the Government over the last few weeks, yet not only fails to take advantage of every one but manages to make himself look the muppet yesterday!
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on December 20, 2018, 09:19:26 am
I have to agree. And the Corbynistas are just as feckless and incapable.  It's really worrying that not only do we have a government that's completely broken but the so-called opposition makes a re-make of the Titanic look tame by comparison.

I wonder if yet another referendum could make a difference? I have noticed one fascinating thing: those of the nasty party (the Tories) that want Brexit are invariable extremely well-off, which I would have thought might have warned those to the left that Brexit will only benefit the rich.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Hugo on December 20, 2018, 02:59:18 pm
Isn't that the way the Tories have always worked Ian?     Didn't dozy Dave utter the words " we're in this together"    before he instigated the referendum on leaving the EU and then turned a blind eye to his Chancellor avoiding paying 2 million pounds in Corporation Tax
As for Jeremy Corbyn,  I didn't see his lips move once when the referendum was going on unlike the other day when he muttered something, so we can add liar to his growing number of faults.




Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: DaveR on December 21, 2018, 09:12:33 am
I agree with Mr Putin:

"“Was it not a referendum?” the Russian president said. “Someone disliked the result, so repeat it over and over? Is this democracy? What then would be the point of the referendum in the first place and what is the sense of direct democracy?”"
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on December 21, 2018, 11:55:27 am
We do not have a constitution in this country and we don't govern by plebiscite. The referendum had no actual authority - it was simply to sound out the prevailing mood. 

But let's examine the facts: a mere 17,410,742 voted to Leave out of  a total 46,551,983 of the voting population.  In other words, 29,141,241 did not vote to Leave.

Now, who would possibly have an interest in seeing Europe become less united and less coherent? Let's see...oh yes;  that nice Mr Putin doesn't want very large and united countries on his doorstep. But then it's not as if the Russians ever meddle in EU elections, is it...
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on December 21, 2018, 02:31:50 pm
[smg id=4101]
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Hugo on December 21, 2018, 04:51:31 pm
I agree with Mr Putin:

"“Was it not a referendum?” the Russian president said. “Someone disliked the result, so repeat it over and over? Is this democracy? What then would be the point of the referendum in the first place and what is the sense of direct democracy?”"

Is this the direct democracy that Mr Putin favours?


https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/alexai-navalny-arrest-russia-putin-protests-prison-opposition-leader-moscow-a8552106.html (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/alexai-navalny-arrest-russia-putin-protests-prison-opposition-leader-moscow-a8552106.html)

Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on January 22, 2020, 06:36:43 pm
REPRESENTATIVES of the French media are heading to North Wales to hand the mic to a Brexiteer.

Ahead of Britain's departure date of Friday, January 31, France Info radio journalist Franck Ballanger is seeking a Leaver about to hear their views on Britain's future outside the EU.

A spokesperson for the station said: "We are France Info and we are making a UK Tour to meet Brexiters.

"With Brexit coming soon, we would like to make some reports with people from England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland and will be near Colwyn Bay between Saturday, January 25 and Monday 27.

"That will be an interview for a radio, which will not be broadcasted live as well as a video for our social media.

"If you are ready to answer our questions, please contact us to organize an interview,  antoine.deiana@radiofrance.com or by calling +33674731893."

https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/18179430.france-info-radio-seeks-leave-voter-colwyn-bay-interview/?ref=rss (https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/18179430.france-info-radio-seeks-leave-voter-colwyn-bay-interview/?ref=rss)

Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: DaveR on January 31, 2020, 11:07:52 pm
Job done.  $drink$
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: mull on February 01, 2020, 12:15:16 am
Job only just started, not done yet.

Take it you are happy to crash out before 2021 because that is the way it is going.
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on February 01, 2020, 10:59:58 am
From The Register today:

"I resigned myself to belonging to a pariah nation long ago, a realisation born from half a lifetime's accumulation of World Cup quarter final exits and Eurovision nul points. And always feeling that you're on the back foot gives rise to a desire to change stance. As I read it, Brexiters wanted to jump before they were pushed.

To get away from all the bluster on both sides, I thought I'd spend a long weekend at the Angoulême Cartoon Festival. But my brief aller-retour will itself represent a life-changing transformation. I set off on Thursday as a European citizen; when I return on Sunday, it will be as a politely apologetic visitor from an island nation.

Even though it's only a train journey, I have brought along my passport in case an SNCF Herr Flick limps down the carriage to loom over my seat and bark: "Vos papiers, schnell, espèce de rosbif Britischer pig-dog de mes couilles."

Unlike Mme D, who continues to spit venom about the whole matter in a fashion that would put a Ridley Scott alien to shame, I am looking towards a brighter technological future freed from the yoke of European legislation. It means we Brits no longer have to submit impotently to the fascist diktat from Europe that insists we can install Huawei kit in 5G masts if we feel like it, or not if we don't. Brexit means we are at last freed to obey whatever the Americans instruct us to do."
Title: Re: Brexit Debate.......Post-Brexit trade deal
Post by: SteveH on December 24, 2020, 03:47:21 pm
The EU and UK have reached a post-Brexit trade deal, ending months of disagreements over fishing rights and future business rules.

At a Downing Street press conference, Boris Johnson said: "We have taken back control of our laws and our destiny."

The prime minister added that although arguments had been "fierce" it was a "good deal for the whole of Europe", driving jobs and prosperity.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said it was a "fair and balanced" deal.

LIVE: EU and UK agree trade deal
In a press conference in Brussels, the European Commission president said: "This was a long and winding road but we have got a good deal to show for it.

"It is fair, it is a balanced deal, and it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides."

She added that now was "time to turn the page and look to the future" and that the UK "remains a trusted partner".

There will be a five-and-a-half year transition period for the fishing industry, she indicated.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55435930 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55435930)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on October 01, 2021, 10:11:59 am
National ID cards no longer valid for travel for Europeans entering UK
The Home Office said the ID cards are some of the most abused documents seen by Border Force officers

Most Europeans will need a valid passport to enter the UK from Friday as the Government will cease to allow access to those travelling on national identity cards.

From October 1, following the change that was announced a year ago, most citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland will no longer be allowed to enter the UK using a national identity card.

https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/national-id-cards-no-longer-valid-for-travel-for-europeans-entering-uk/ (https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/national-id-cards-no-longer-valid-for-travel-for-europeans-entering-uk/)
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on February 02, 2023, 10:21:35 am
Majority in North Wales now think Brexit was a mistake

In pro-remain Arfon just 24% now think leaving the EU was a good idea while in leave-voting Clwyd South a mere 35% still thinks the UK's exit from Europe was a good idea, new poll shows

Public opinion on Brexit in North Wales appears to have shifted significantly according to a recent poll. The number of people regretting the decision to leave the European Union (EU) now outnumbers those in favour of Brexit in every North Wales constituency.

The poll, from Focaldata, involved collecting data from 10,009 respondents on the British mainland between December 12 and December 16 2022. The North Wales constituency with the most pro-EU sentiment was Arfon with 60% saying Brexit was a mistake and just 24% in favour. The most marginal was Clwyd South where 49% thought it was a mistake and 35% still maintained it was the correct decision.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/poll-shows-majority-north-wales-26130904
Title: Re: Brexit Debate..........UK rejoins EU science research
Post by: SteveH on September 07, 2023, 09:52:13 am
The UK is to rejoin the EU's flagship scientific research scheme, Horizon, the government has announced.

UK-based scientists and institutions will be able to apply for money from the ?81bn (?95bn) fund from today.

Associate membership had been agreed as part of the Brexit trade deal when the UK formally left the EU in 2020.

However, the UK has been excluded from the scheme for the past three years because of a disagreement over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66737714
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: SteveH on October 14, 2023, 10:43:18 am
Brexit: 'Call us' on trade, says German finance minister Christian Lindner

The German finance minister has extended a surprise invite to the UK to take "new steps" on post-Brexit trade relations with the European Union (EU).

In a BBC interview, Christian Lindner said: "If you want to intensify your trade relationship with the EU - call us!"

A government spokesperson said the UK was open to "new opportunities" across the globe.

Mr Lindner also said the German economy and energy supplies remain strong.

He is the leader of the German liberals, part of the ruling coalition led by the centre-left SPD of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

During the discussion on the margins of the IMF and World Bank's annual meetings in Marrakech, Mr Lindner said that the UK had a "standing invitation" on future talks aimed at reducing trade barriers, or "obstacles in daily business life" that had arisen.

"In the daily life of German corporates, there are new obstacles since Brexit... I don't think [the] United Kingdom is benefiting from Brexit," he told BBC News.

"We really appreciate the United Kingdom and its values, its people... and I would really, really appreciate it if we can intensify [the trade relationship] again," he added.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67105143

One in three newly registered vehicles in the UK is a German export. In total, 950,000 of the 3 million newly registered cars in the UK are German exports (2016). One in five new cars exported from Germany goes to the UK (20% of German exports).
Title: Re: Brexit Debate
Post by: Ian on October 14, 2023, 11:08:38 am
Quote
Mr Lindner also said the German economy and energy supplies remain strong.

In fact our inflation rate is the highest and overall wealth is the worst of the developed economies. Yet another factor that we can thank Johnson for.
Title: Re:Post-Brexit controls on food, plant and animal imports to Britain from the EU
Post by: SteveH on January 31, 2024, 10:19:11 am
Post-Brexit controls on food, plant and animal imports to Britain from the EU have come into force.

Health certificates will now be required on EU goods ranging from cut flowers, to fresh produce including meat, fruit and vegetables.

Some industry bodies raised concerns the rules could cause delays and push up costs, but others said they would help UK farmers be more competitive.

The government said its border model would "minimise burdens for traders".

The UK left the EU exactly four years ago, but it has taken some time for the government to implement new trade rules - legally required under the Brexit agreement - for goods travelling from the EU to the UK.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-68126880