[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

I suspect "being so overcome by bitterness" can be read as an insult even if it was not intended to be so.

The 4% reduction in GDP is permanent, not a temporary matter and is on top of any reduction from Covid 19. We're choosing to erect non-tariff trade barriers with our large trading bloc in exchange for a little bit more sovereignty. These non-tariff barriers come at a cost.

I hope you don't find this insulting, Andrew: You're singing Ian's tune. "... for a little bit more sovereignty". 52% of the voting population bought into that. Sovereignty (not the illusory "sunny uplands").

From our sovereign position, we can build without worrying what the French will say as they try to dominate the EU in Merkel's absence.

You have no idea whether or not the 4% reduction in GDP is permanent. I'd say that the UK will eventually sail past this - with better government, of course and that's not certain.