UK & EU Agree Post-Brexit Trade Deal

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Even bearing in mind the coronavirus issue, I think Boris will find it unplatable as well as risky politically to extend the transition period. He is anxious to show, over the shouts of 'liar, liar' that he can deliver what he promised.

As I understand it, negotiations are continuing via videolink. Far better than trotting back and forth between here and the Continent. It's about time we stopped jetting around the world to have talks with overseas governments. It's not necessary these days.

A very important factor about not extending the deadline is to keep the EU on the back foot. They no longer have the upper hand and, through their arragance, they know it.

Of course there's little harm in an extension whereby a worthwhile gain for the UK is offered, but I fear the EU is too far up itself do to that.

Finally, I suspect that Boris & co have reasoned that a no-deal outcome is a workable outcome for the UK, preserving its sovereignty and if that's going to be the case, sooner rather than dragging it on to later with all the noise that will bring. Leave properly and get on with the reshape.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

A very important factor about not extending the deadline is to keep the EU on the back foot. They no longer have the upper hand and, through their arragance, they know it.

Of course there's little harm in an extension whereby a worthwhile gain for the UK is offered, but I fear the EU is too far up itself do to that.

Finally, I suspect that Boris & co have reasoned that a no-deal outcome is a workable outcome for the UK, preserving its sovereignty and if that's going to be the case, sooner rather than dragging it on to later with all the noise that will bring. Leave properly and get on with the reshape.

Yes, it really is. There is little point in having a slanging match with the EU. They either want a tariff free trade deal with the UK or they don't. The choice is theirs to make.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Yes, it really is. There is little point in having a slanging match with the EU. They either want a tariff free trade deal with the UK or they don't. The choice is theirs to make.

A perfect, concise analysis.

[jfman]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

A perfect, concise analysis.

So many negotiators employed by both sides tells me it's much more nuanced than the simplistic offering by Old Boy.

Similarly the state of our economy by then might may change the dynamics somewhat.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by jfman

So many negotiators employed by both sides tells me it's much more nuanced than the simplistic offering by Old Boy.

Similarly the state of our economy by then might may change the dynamics somewhat.

But that doesn't alter the apex point. The negotiators follow the mandate given from the apex. If that changes ....

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Yes, it really is. There is little point in having a slanging match with the EU. They either want a tariff free trade deal with the UK or they don't. The choice is theirs to make.

But the challenge is the time limit that has been set (which was our choice) - every other trade deal has taken years, if not decades.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by Hugh

But the challenge is the time limit that has been set (which was our choice) - every other trade deal has taken years, if not decades.

Extension, extension, extension. This was May's downfall and the election result tells Boris what must be done. We are in step with the EU now - if they get their finger out something sensible could be achieved,

Btw, this fishing rights business is exactly the pivot around which major concessions or bigger matters can be obtained. If the Dutch, Germans, Polish and others can no longer find herring in their shops ... (we'll have to eat them - they're delicious).

Remainers want extension, Leavers don't. The old conflict and this has to be broken now we've left the EU.

[jfman]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

Extension, extension, extension. This was May's downfall and the election result tells Boris what must be done. We are in step with the EU now - if they get their finger out something sensible could be achieved,

Btw, this fishing rights business is exactly the pivot around which major concessions or bigger matters can be obtained. If the Dutch, Germans, Polish and others can no longer find herring in their shops ... (we'll have to eat them - they're delicious).

Remainers want extension, Leavers don't. The old conflict and this has to be broken now we've left the EU.

But that’s the thing Seph. Leave has won.

An extension shouldn’t be viewed though the leave/remain prism. It should be about our economic interests.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by jfman

But that’s the thing Seph. Leave has won.

An extension shouldn’t be viewed though the leave/remain prism. It should be about our economic interests.

I understand your point. So, perhaps the prism through which this could be examined is economy/sovereignty.

[jfman]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

I understand your point. So, perhaps the prism through which this could be examined is economy/sovereignty.

We’re a sovereign nation both ways Seph. We would enter an extension with our eyes open, and an end date in sight.

[Mr K]

It's laughable anybody is even wasting their time on Brexit at the moment.

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by Mr K

It's laughable anybody is even wasting their time on Brexit at the moment.

Agreed, those staff should be seconded to support their nations' health services. We can pick up in a year's time.
Peoples' lives are more important.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Agreed, those staff should be seconded to support their nations' health services. We can pick up in a year's time.
Peoples' lives are more important.

Not agreed. Peoples' lives are being attended to. Brexit should not be ignored.

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

Not agreed. Peoples' lives are being attended to. Brexit should not be ignored.

Brexit has happened.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Brexit has happened.

Pleae don't be obtuse. The hand "Brexit" in this thread covers the future relationship with the EU.