UK & EU Agree Post-Brexit Trade Deal

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

I've done your research for you!

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/poli...orth-1.3891032

What can I say?

We Irish Catholics like sharing our love, whilst the NI Protestants love themselves...

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

I've done your research for you!

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/poli...orth-1.3891032

I think religion is far less important an issue in today's island of Ireland than it once was. It's more about getting on and opportunities. In a small country, it's another factor why freedom of movement is more important than in a larger one.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

I think religion is far less important an issue in today's island of Ireland than it once was. It's more about getting on and opportunities. In a small country, it's another factor why freedom of movement is more important than in a larger one.

I spend a lot of time in NI and sense what's going on.

It's obvious to me that once those of Catholic background gain numerical superiority then ultimately a Border Poll will be called and the steps to unification of the two Irelands will be made. But yes, the factors you mention will obviously be taken into account and that is why there may be fraying of the Protestant edges.

Scotland, on the other hand, is not similarly aligned along specific backgrounds. Frankly to hell with them if they back Sturgeon's view of Scotland. I would expect that the then UK Guvmin will be strict and do no more than what is legally necessary.

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

I
Scotland, on the other hand, is not similarly aligned along specific backgrounds. Frankly to hell with them if they back Sturgeon's view of Scotland. I would expect that the then UK Guvmin will be strict and do no more than what is legally necessary.

Agreed. My underlying point is that the growth of Scottish nationalism is yet another reason to drive Boris to a deal with the EU. he wouldn't want to go down in history as being the cause of Scotland leaving the UK and a no-deal Brexit on top of Scotland's perceived stronger approach to Covid-19 could see a referendum in the future, albeit more likely than not outside the term of the current government.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Agreed. My underlying point is that the growth of Scottish nationalism is yet another reason to drive Boris to a deal with the EU. he wouldn't want to go down in history as being the cause of Scotland leaving the UK and a no-deal Brexit on top of Scotland's perceived stronger approach to Covid-19 could see a referendum in the future, albeit more likely than not outside the term of the current government.

An interesting point that prolly underlines the difference between us. Which is more important? The Union or standing up to the EU? This is the classic rock/hard place situation. There is no point in acceding to the EU's red line that the ECJ should have a decisive role in our affairs. Fishing - a matter of allocation (reviewed annually with UK deciding); Level playing field - as long as that isn't policed by the ECJ, there's negotiating room.

Also, I don't see Scottish nationalism as particularly aligned to the EU situation. It's prolly more aligned to the same sort of prejudices as between Spurs/Arsenal.

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

An interesting point that prolly underlines the difference between us. Which is more important? The Union or standing up to the EU? This is the classic rock/hard place situation. There is no point in acceding to the EU's red line that the ECJ should have a decisive role in our affairs. Fishing - a matter of allocation (reviewed annually with UK deciding); Level playing field - as long as that isn't policed by the ECJ, there's negotiating room.

Also, I don't see Scottish nationalism as particularly aligned to the EU situation. It's prolly more aligned to the same sort of prejudices as between Spurs/Arsenal.

This is all about why we pay politicians to make difficult decisions for us.

A bad deal with the EU - one with bags of friction that erodes our competitiveness - will go down badly in Scotland. The country is already in favour of devolution thanks to its handling of Covid-19 and a bad UK deal with the EU will only increase this. Given the limited time we have, Boris has again backed himself into a negotiating corner and will do as he did with Ireland - concede, deny, move on.

How will Brexit impact your trade with NI?

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Trouble is side deals are far, far harder if there is no trade deal in the first place.

The fishing deal should be relatively unimportant to each side (I believe Harrods employs more people and adds more to UK GDP) but the UK does seem keen to want to end the current arrangements.

Tell that to our fishermen.

---------- Post added at 19:11 ---------- Previous post was at 19:08 ----------

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Another good reason to extend our existing deal with the EU.

https://www.cityam.com/uk-abandons-h...e-end-of-year/

Not. Going. To. Happen.

[pip08456]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

This is all about why we pay politicians to make difficult decisions for us.

A bad deal with the EU - one with bags of friction that erodes our competitiveness - will go down badly in Scotland. The country is already in favour of devolution thanks to its handling of Covid-19 and a bad UK deal with the EU will only increase this. Given the limited time we have, Boris has again backed himself into a negotiating corner and will do as he did with Ireland - concede, deny, move on.

How will Brexit impact your trade with NI?

OK I grant that will not go down well with those who want independence. What do they expect when/if they get it? Do they expect the EU to welcome them with open arms? If they do they'll be sorely disappointed. Scotland would have to apply like any other european country, it would take years. They'd also have to get a bank to guarantee their currency as well as many other hurdles.

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by pip08456

OK I grant that will not go down well with those who want independence.

It will go down badly with those who don't currently want independence too and might well sway them towards voting for independence.

[Carth]

I think a few will consider "what do we have to offer the EU . . . fish?"

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by Carth

I think a few will consider "what do we have to offer the EU . . . fish?"

But surely they need us more than we need them? We just need to remind them of this again, only slower and louder.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

But surely they need us more than we need them? We just need to remind them of this again, only slower and louder.

We don't need them at all. We don't need:

1. Their bullying;
2. Their unreasonable trade deal demands;
3. Their poxy ECJ;
4. Their poxy plans to federalise;
5. To be part of their squabbling fractious member countries;
6. To become subordinate to the European Parliament;
7. Etc.

[Carth]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

But surely they need us more than we need them? We just need to remind them of this again, only slower and louder.

I was talking about Scotland, not sure what else (if anything) they've got to smooth a possible introduction into the EU gang . . . . Irn-Bru?

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by Carth

I was talking about Scotland, not sure what else (if anything) they've got to smooth a possible introduction into the EU gang . . . . Irn-Bru?

Keep the haggis hidden and a fine malt to hand and the world's your lobster.

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Keep the haggis hidden and a fine malt to hand and the world's your lobster.

I think I would wish the Scotish Nats on the poxy EU. Let them suffer doses of Ian Blackford.

On a more serious note,what divides us is your priority for the economy and mine for sovereignty combined with the belief that the UK can forge its wn path. Whenever the break, the challenge is the same so an extension serves no ultimate purpose.

If the EU can just agree to the Canada type deal, we can all get on with it. The fact they're not agreeing is the proof of their "I'm bigger than you" bullying method. Or to put it in Barnier's words "The UK must be realistic".