if the demands include losing our currency that to me would demonstrate that the talks are poisoned to fail.
You mean, if the UK is treated fairly (like other countries) that means you don’t like it?
I can see why the EU was ok with the UK leaving. They’re a pain to deal with. I think they should wait ten years until prices go up for all goods from the EU, US, China, etc. because the UK has no muscle to negotiate trade agreements.
Negotiating trade agreements isn’t exactly a strength of the EU. It doesn’t have deals with China, India or even the US, for example. But it’s not like Chinese products are really expensive without one. In fact, the benefits are generally in the other direction — opening export markets for our products and services.
That’s because the WTO makes bilateral agreements less useful than before. But EU countries are represented individually and dually by the EU in WTO proceedings.
It’s much better to have dozens of friends backing you up in a dispute. There is no benefit and a major drawback to leaving. No one will stick up for you.
I certainly agree there are no benefits, but the whole debate around trade agreements is overblown on both sides. The UK is a service economy, and even within the EU itself there isn’t a single market for lots of services. The idea that either EU membership or Brexit can deliver meaningful trade benefits outside Europe is largely nonsense.
You mean, if the UK is treated fairly (like other countries) that means you don’t like it?
I can see why the EU was ok with the UK leaving. They’re a pain to deal with. I think they should wait ten years until prices go up for all goods from the EU, US, China, etc. because the UK has no muscle to negotiate trade agreements.
Then the UK will beg to be let in.
Negotiating trade agreements isn’t exactly a strength of the EU. It doesn’t have deals with China, India or even the US, for example. But it’s not like Chinese products are really expensive without one. In fact, the benefits are generally in the other direction — opening export markets for our products and services.
That’s because the WTO makes bilateral agreements less useful than before. But EU countries are represented individually and dually by the EU in WTO proceedings.
It’s much better to have dozens of friends backing you up in a dispute. There is no benefit and a major drawback to leaving. No one will stick up for you.
I certainly agree there are no benefits, but the whole debate around trade agreements is overblown on both sides. The UK is a service economy, and even within the EU itself there isn’t a single market for lots of services. The idea that either EU membership or Brexit can deliver meaningful trade benefits outside Europe is largely nonsense.
Yeah trade isn’t that important now, that’s why there were no shortages of basic goods during the pandemic… oh wait.
Are you suggesting that trade agreements can prevent pandemics?
Are you suggesting that trade agreements can prevent pandemics?
No, if I meant to say that, I’d have said it. Stop inventing things I said.