[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by jfman

The intention of the EU is to demonstrate to the rest of the member states that leaving isn’t viable. That could be achieved through the UK remaining, a bad deal, or no deal. All three options currently on the table satisfy the EU position somewhat.

The EU, like any Union, has to satisfy it’s own interests first and foremost. Despite our delusions of grandeur, the consequences for us were always going to be far greater than for them.

Negotiators for Greece in the 2015 financial crisis look back and lament that their mistake was believing the EU were negotiating at all. The EU had mapped out all of the options suitable to them and it was “take it or leave it”.

Varoufakis warned us 2 years ago that what you said would happen (it having occurred right in front of us).

The UK ignored that and made no no deal preparations. That was gross neglect.

I’m sure that the EU is only sincere in its arrogance and your assessment is correct. Hence I am in favour standing up to them even now, especially if it tips the Irish government into panic.