[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

No, I don't agree with that. Let's turn it around. The great majority who voted leave are likely to have done so on the basis that we would do trade deals with the US, Australia, China, India, etc. That is what Theresa May is delivering.

Wouldn't it be a bit silly to have all those spanking new deals in place, but not one with the EU? Currently our biggest trading partner? I mean, why on earth not?

The issue, surely, is not whether we get a trade deal with the EU, but whether we get to leave the EU, single market, customs union and we extracate ourselves from the ECJ.

Perhaps those who are currently criticising Theresa May's White Paper would care to enlighten us as to what it is that's in there that is causing this hysteria? She is delivering on these things.

Just to keep it simple for you: The hype put out by May in her speeches that extol the White Paper includes the strap line £Regain Control of our fisheries". To understand the evolution towards the White Paper, there was a Policy Paper issued/updated in May 2017.

What does the Policy Paper say? The following weasel words: "8.16 In 2015, EU vessels caught 683,000 tonnes (£484 million revenue) in UK waters and UK vessels caught 111,000 tonnes (£114 million revenue) in Member States’ waters.51 Given the heavy reliance on UK waters of the EU fishing industry and the importance of EU waters to the UK, it is in both our interests to reach a mutually beneficial deal that works for the UK and the EU’s fishing communities. Following EU exit, we will want to ensure a sustainable and profitable seafood sector and deliver a cleaner, healthier and more productive marine environment."

The White Paper says: "60. As an independent coastal state, the UK will have control over access to its waters from the end of the implementation period. Any decisions about giving access to UK waters for vessels from the EU, or any other coastal states will be a matter for negotiation.
61. The UK, the EU and coastal states should agree to annual negotiations on access rights and fishing opportunities for UK, EU and coastal state fleets. This could include multi-annual agreements for appropriate stocks." This means that the guvmin can negotiate our fish away as part of other concessions the guvmin wants.