In ways that matter to me (as opposed to, say, a sovereign and hangers on), the TTIP is a far greater threat to "sovereignty" than the EU. Outside the EU we will have to bend over and accept the TTIP.
Only then will the UK and the EU be able to begin negotiating new trade agreements and under what conditions the UK can have access to the single market, and so on.I'm replying to the bolded section.
My understanding was that the new trade agreements and relationships would be part of the exit agreement.
I.e. The new trade agreements would start up, the instant we "physically" leave the EU.
But I am not brilliant with knowing how the EU works and does things. So I can easily accept being wrong here.I'm no expert either but it's what the EU trade commissioner has said:QuoteBritain will not be able to start talks on a new trade arrangement with the EU until other aspects of its exit have been settled, the trade commissioner, Cecilia Malmström has said.
“There are actually two negotiations. First you exit, and then you negotiate the new relationship, whatever that is,” she said.http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/01/cecilia-malmstrom-eu-trade-commissioner-brexit-uk-wto
Cecila Malmstrom, the unelected (but nominated, bless) trade commissioner, is the epitomy of everything that is wrong with the EU. Have you read the proposals for TTIP for example? No, because you can't. So much for accountability, transaparency and representation. She can, she's the unelected head honcho, but your elected MEP can't, not unless they lock themselves away in a room without phones and cameras or copying equipment. And you and me, no. Journalists, no. Stuffed. We are not allowed to know anything of is agreement until it's a done deal.
This, from the most pro-EU media outlet in UK.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ttip-controversy-the-european-commission-and-big-tobacco-accused-of-cover-up-after-heavily-redacted-10473601.html
Well I guess Turkey isn't going to be joining the EU anytime soon:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-36809083
What is happening to the world?!
So Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson as foreign secretary, that was a bit odd. Not so much that he has insulted people/countries, but will he have the respect of his peers? Seems to me that would be important for a top diplomat. Appears like he is being rewarded by PM May with this position. Can't really make heads or tails of this.Neither can I.
The least bad explanations that make any sense to me are that she is setting him up to fail (unlikely, since that is setting the UK up to fail), or that she is trying to keep the Tory party together (and bugger the negotiations and UK). More devious (and less likely) explanations can be invented, of course.
The most ridiculous explanation is that he is the best person to represent the UK.I also put a pund bill behind he was appointed to finally ruin himself of any future political positions. After all he did win 'most offensive Erdogan poem' competition and he called Hillary a bitchy dragon or something similar.
Or other countries may also end up exiting the EU
So Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson as foreign secretary, that was a bit odd. Not so much that he has insulted people/countries, but will he have the respect of his peers? Seems to me that would be important for a top diplomat. Appears like he is being rewarded by PM May with this position. Can't really make heads or tails of this.Neither can I.
The least bad explanations that make any sense to me are that she is setting him up to fail (unlikely, since that is setting the UK up to fail), or that she is trying to keep the Tory party together (and bugger the negotiations and UK). More devious (and less likely) explanations can be invented, of course.
The most ridiculous explanation is that he is the best person to represent the UK.I also put a pund bill behind he was appointed to finally ruin himself of any future political positions. After all he did win 'most offensive Erdogan poem' competition and he called Hillary a bitchy dragon or something similar."A map of all the countries Boris Johnson has offended"
http://indy100.independent.co.uk/article/updated-a-map-of-all-the-countries-boris-johnson-has-offended--W1zaTLC63rW?utm_source=indy&utm_medium=top5&utm_campaign=i100
Or other countries may also end up exiting the EUHow? It was political suicide for Cameron to hold that referendum. Why would any other government want to follow his example? I am not aware of any similar state of affairs in other governments regarding the EU as the one in Cameron's cabinet and hinterland.
And while it's a massive deal for the UK, it's not a massive deal for EU; it's actually a relatively small deal, that is why it will get lower priority than a deal with the US.
That's brilliant!
So true, so so true!
Or other countries may also end up exiting the EUHow? It was political suicide for Cameron to hold that referendum. Why would any other government want to follow his example? I am not aware of any similar state of affairs in other governments regarding the EU as the one in Cameron's cabinet and hinterland.
"A map of all the countries Boris Johnson has offended"Ooh he's nearly got the full set!
@MT: aren't Portugal about to be fined for insufficientdestruction of their economyEU imposed austerity measures?
True?
1. They didn't try to pull the handle yet.
2. They want to leave the EU, not to join it.
Anyway, cats are awesome.
"A map of all the countries Boris Johnson has offended"Ooh he's nearly got the full set!Fortunately he left making jokes about Belgians to the Dutch
@MT: aren't Portugal about to be fined for insufficientdestruction of their economyEU imposed austerity measures?How the hell should i know, im from Finland,but i do hope they will!
There seems to be a widespread misunderstanding that the "Brexit negotiations" will be to negotiate a deal more favourable to UK : i.e. trade but with immigration control. That is just not going to happen.
The negotiations are to decide what to do with all the outstanding payments, EU grants, EU and Brit nationals, how to repeal the EU legislation, what happens to Erasmus students, and all those loose ends.
The Swiss are currently trying to implement a binding referendum to introduce restrictions on immigration, but the EU are saying "no free movement; no free trade". I don't think the EU are going to make exceptions for anyone.
Meanwhile Turkey is going down the pan, and Italy's banks are teetering on the brink of collapse (the Italy problem many times worse than Greece). Euro-skeptic nationalists threaten to do well in elections in Italy, France and elsewhere. The EU project narrowly avoided disaster with Greece, the next upsets may prove terminal.
They made an exception for Lichtenstein on free movement.
You were flying a Portuguese flag. I see you have changed to another flag of convenience now. I'm obviously too easily confused.
They made an exception for Lichtenstein on free movement.I didn't know about that but maybe it has something to do with Lichtenstein having a population of less than 37000?
... once the UK inevitably ask to join again they will loose all the special deals and rebate that was rather unfair to everyone else. O0