We are again at war! Our Prince cohort is Blair!

If there is not a cabinet coup soon there will not be a cabinet left to form a coup! The EU battle strategy, as foolish as it is, is to bring down the British government.  This ladies and Gentlemen is a terrible state of affairs. We are at war again with Europe!

As with previous wars we have a fifth column within our midst, we have the usual appeaser and we have a figure not in the shape of a Prince but more a wannabe demigod in Tony Blair.

Marches are organised people are brought in EU flags are waved,  one could be forgiven for mistaking London for Pyongyang. The biased organisation to allow such a march, not because they allowed the march but because they won't allow a Brexit march.

At least Neville Chamberlain had the good grace to stand aside.  Surrender we most probably will. As for us, apart from when we are called upon to support the elite the demigods we are not considered worthy of even thought let alone participation.

The EU carpets are wearing thin from all the footfall from UK MPs, another 16 last week. We are to be colonized by the Soviet Republic of the EU and they don't even have an army. Not one shot will be fired, but the casualties are vast. The ordinary folk of middle England are at risk, jobs at distribution centres up and down the country will fall to the closed shops from the eastern countries.  Now I realise this blog has an international follow so I will be clear on this subject. I have no issue with employment from any creed. Indeed I have employed 100s from various Asian countries. What I have an issue with is when an ethnicity attempt to ring fence, push out other ethnicities. These are types of Unions that we should all look on in disgust. What I also have an issue with is our laws are designed to be used against us!

I have used taxi's from ranks where I have openly heard that the rank is vehemently, solely the domain of Pakistan! I have arrived at Heathrow late at night and been driven to Winchester by a taxi driver who used the M3 lane lines to guide his car, straddling two lanes. When asked how long he had been here his reply was that morning. I realise this is not an EU issue. To be clear, I have always believed our immigration issues are the result of do gooder policies, it is those that have prevented integration. The EU is not so much to blame, although opening the doors to the east has exasperated the situation. Mrs Merkel opening up to other Arab states and South Asia without checking refugee status has caused great harm, benefited German Industry only; Not its people nor other Europeans. Mrs Merkel the med has more than enough to flood your factories, keeping a lid on German salaries.

Brexit is right, the EU for its own sake needs a wakeup call, it is failing itself, its citizen and soon will be spent force in the world of economics. Since 2008 it has the poorest growth of any block, four times less than its nearest competitor. Ten times less than Asia, seven times less than the US or even Canada.

Its people are in shock many are unemployed. Once a great country that gave us Philosophers and excellent life skills from the 6thC BC reduced to an economic ruin that could mirror the Parthenon Acropolis as a comparison to something tangible but less visible. Why because of the Euro ideology and the poor behaviour from the cold uncaring EU elites.

Mrs May Great Britain is worth more than this.  Do you really want your legacy to echo that of Maduro another leader who will not leave for the sake of his country. I understand when it is the government that want you to leave but it isn't it is the people that want you to step aside. So step aside this is not purgatory. If a new leader takes control your only sin is stubborn egotism. If you stay you will bring UK PLC into a black regulatory abyss, The Hotel California of Europe. Step aside you tried your best, but your opponents were formidable and mostly from your ranks.

I have a question; is it normal for past Prime Minister to retain their office undermining the incumbent to the extent that Blair is doing? Is it normal for a past PM to diminish that standing of an elected PM? Is it normal for a past Leader of Great Britain to cohort with what is now by their definition, the enemy.

The EU is the Soviet Union in western clothes, to use MIKAEL GORBACHEV quote.

If there is not a cabinet coup soon there will not be a cabinet left to form a coup! The EU battle strategy, as foolish as it is, is to bring down the British government.  This ladies and Gentlemen is a terrible state of affairs. We are at war again with Europe!

As with previous wars we have a fifth column within our midst, we have the usual appeaser and we have a figure not in the shape of a Prince but more a wannabe demigod in Tony Blair.

Marches are organised people are brought in EU flags are waved,  one could be forgiven for mistaking London for Pyongyang. The biased organisation to allow such a march, not because they allowed the march but because they won't allow a Brexit march.

At least Neville Chamberlain had the good grace to stand aside.  Surrender we most probably will. As for us, apart from when we are called upon to support the elite the demigods we are not considered worthy of even thought let alone participation.

The EU carpets are wearing thin from all the footfall from UK MPs, another 16 last week. We are to be colonized by the Soviet Republic of the EU and they don't even have an army. Not one shot will be fired, but the casualties are vast. The ordinary folk of middle England are at risk, jobs at distribution centres up and down the country will fall to the closed shops from the eastern countries.  Now I realise this blog has an international follow so I will be clear on this subject. I have no issue with employment from any creed. Indeed I have employed 100s from various Asian countries. What I have an issue with is when an ethnicity attempt to ring fence, push out other ethnicities. These are types of Unions that we should all look on in disgust. What I also have an issue with is our laws are designed to be used against us!

I have used taxi's from ranks where I have openly heard that the rank is vehemently, solely the domain of Pakistan! I have arrived at Heathrow late at night and been driven to Winchester by a taxi driver who used the M3 lane lines to guide his car, straddling two lanes. When asked how long he had been here his reply was that morning. I realise this is not an EU issue. To be clear, I have always believed our immigration issues are the result of do gooder policies, it is those that have prevented integration. The EU is not so much to blame, although opening the doors to the east has exasperated the situation. Mrs Merkel opening up to other Arab states and South Asia without checking refugee status has caused great harm, benefited German Industry only; Not its people nor other Europeans. Mrs Merkel the med has more than enough to flood your factories, keeping a lid on German salaries.

Brexit is right, the EU for its own sake needs a wakeup call, it is failing itself, its citizen and soon will be spent force in the world of economics. Since 2008 it has the poorest growth of any block, four times less than its nearest competitor. Ten times less than Asia, seven times less than the US or even Canada.

Its people are in shock many are unemployed. Once a great country that gave us Philosophers and excellent life skills from the 6thC BC reduced to an economic ruin that could mirror the Parthenon Acropolis as a comparison to something tangible but less visible. Why because of the Euro ideology and the poor behaviour from the cold uncaring EU elites.

Mrs May Great Britain is worth more than this.  Do you really want your legacy to echo that of Maduro another leader who will not leave for the sake of his country. I understand when it is the government that want you to leave but it isn't it is the people that want you to step aside. So step aside this is not purgatory. If a new leader takes control your only sin is stubborn egotism. If you stay you will bring UK PLC into a black regulatory abyss, The Hotel California of Europe. Step aside you tried your best, but your opponents were formidable and mostly from your ranks.

I have a question; is it normal for past Prime Minister to retain their office undermining the incumbent to the extent that Blair is doing? Is it normal for a past PM to diminish that standing of an elected PM? Is it normal for a past Leader of Great Britain to cohort with what is now by their definition, the enemy.

The EU is the Soviet Union in western clothes, to use MIKAEL GORBACHEV quote.

Brexit - Say No To More Delays. Just Leave on WTO

I am not surprised in the slightest this deal was rejected. It was just flowery words around the original, a new jacket for the wolf.  But where does this leave us?

1. I read the term a hard brexit or a soft brexit, use these terms if you must, but, I prefer the term remain which is what a soft brexit has morphed into or leave on WTO.  In fact, I would even argue the reverse a hard brexit would indeed be to remain.

• The EU has failed its southern states, youth unemployment is as high as 30%. 
• The Eurozone has managed a 2% growth over a 10year period.
• Salaries, real time earnings in the EU have seen the lowest increases compared to those countries outside the eurozone.
• Regulation is destroying business, only 10% of our GDP comes from Europe. Yet we apply regulation to the 100%. This is a substantial burden!

2. Delay Brexit! For what Reason? So we can continue to pay billions into EU’s unaudited accounts where billions are unaccounted for.  As Margaret Thatcher once said on referring to charitable donations to a crisis in Africa, “This is poor people giving rich people money”. What would be achieved and what do we risk?

• We risk the same as we've had for the last 2.5 years. Confusion, chaos, uncertainty and an opportunity for remainers to be right.  Our economy will tank, not because of brexit but because of lack of clarity, political infighting, a disconnected government. The tail is wagging the dog and its not even the people's dog.
• So you delay, but you've voted to take no deal off the table. Where does that leave us? Trapped in the EU as per Blair's et al. wishes.
• Subject to regulation, under more control of the EU as the threat of leaving could never be realized again. A European army to quell dissension within a member state who dares autonomy. Look to Catalonia the EU stood by and watched the violence to so called EU citizens.
• Mikeal Gorbachev once said “the EU is the Soviet Union in western clothes”.

3. WTO rules, but then a new set of issue kick in:

• Philip Hammond, he must now demonstrate our willingness, preparations to become a low tax competitive environment based on competitive regulations unlike those placed on us from the EU. We are already experiencing an influx of investment 2nd only to China. Bolster the city of London as it is already the premier Euro clearing house, this will not be challenged.
• Quickly form a relationship with America, China, Indonesia, Japan and India. Just to do one FTA would be a huge boost to the economy.

Perhaps, we should indeed seek advice from the USA on how we can seek retribution from Europe. This has been a mickey mouse negotiation, after all we own a proportion of the assets.

In a recent survey organized by Reuters through their “Convene App” they came down in favour of recommending the UK push for a tax haven status.  David Goldberg QC defined what he considered our status should be.  He concentrated on two features; taxing only income which arises within its own border and that the tax system is clear, concise, easy to operate and can be seen to balance the rights and obligations of the citizens and the state.

In fact, he went further to claim our membership has blighted our integrity.
“It used to be possible to an English common lawyer to go abroad, knowing that he or she came from a country which created the finest legal system the world has ever seen and gave it the guiding principles of the rule of law. We could be proud to fly our flag. Now it is stained by the sins against those beacon lights which are committed presently and most clearly by our tax system and which bring with them the risk of infecting other areas of law…”

– David Goldberg, QC, Gray’s Inn.

I will leave this note here otherwise the blog is too long. I will say that I maintain a belief that we are exactly where remainers want us to be. I will also go so far as to say that we are where Mrs May intended. She will align against no deal and then push to remain but first delay. This is indeed a muddle and an election is needed new MPs elected who represent their constituents if only for this to be completed. I'm sure when we are settled we won't notice their return to self-serving.

I am not surprised in the slightest this deal was rejected. It was just flowery words around the original, a new jacket for the wolf.  But where does this leave us?

1. I read the term a hard brexit or a soft brexit, use these terms if you must, but, I prefer the term remain which is what a soft brexit has morphed into or leave on WTO.  In fact, I would even argue the reverse a hard brexit would indeed be to remain.

• The EU has failed its southern states, youth unemployment is as high as 30%. 
• The Eurozone has managed a 2% growth over a 10year period.
• Salaries, real time earnings in the EU have seen the lowest increases compared to those countries outside the eurozone.
• Regulation is destroying business, only 10% of our GDP comes from Europe. Yet we apply regulation to the 100%. This is a substantial burden!

2. Delay Brexit! For what Reason? So we can continue to pay billions into EU’s unaudited accounts where billions are unaccounted for.  As Margaret Thatcher once said on referring to charitable donations to a crisis in Africa, “This is poor people giving rich people money”. What would be achieved and what do we risk?

• We risk the same as we've had for the last 2.5 years. Confusion, chaos, uncertainty and an opportunity for remainers to be right.  Our economy will tank, not because of brexit but because of lack of clarity, political infighting, a disconnected government. The tail is wagging the dog and its not even the people's dog.
• So you delay, but you've voted to take no deal off the table. Where does that leave us? Trapped in the EU as per Blair's et al. wishes.
• Subject to regulation, under more control of the EU as the threat of leaving could never be realized again. A European army to quell dissension within a member state who dares autonomy. Look to Catalonia the EU stood by and watched the violence to so called EU citizens.
• Mikeal Gorbachev once said “the EU is the Soviet Union in western clothes”.

3. WTO rules, but then a new set of issue kick in:

• Philip Hammond, he must now demonstrate our willingness, preparations to become a low tax competitive environment based on competitive regulations unlike those placed on us from the EU. We are already experiencing an influx of investment 2nd only to China. Bolster the city of London as it is already the premier Euro clearing house, this will not be challenged.
• Quickly form a relationship with America, China, Indonesia, Japan and India. Just to do one FTA would be a huge boost to the economy.

Perhaps, we should indeed seek advice from the USA on how we can seek retribution from Europe. This has been a mickey mouse negotiation, after all we own a proportion of the assets.

In a recent survey organized by Reuters through their “Convene App” they came down in favour of recommending the UK push for a tax haven status.  David Goldberg QC defined what he considered our status should be.  He concentrated on two features; taxing only income which arises within its own border and that the tax system is clear, concise, easy to operate and can be seen to balance the rights and obligations of the citizens and the state.

In fact, he went further to claim our membership has blighted our integrity.
“It used to be possible to an English common lawyer to go abroad, knowing that he or she came from a country which created the finest legal system the world has ever seen and gave it the guiding principles of the rule of law. We could be proud to fly our flag. Now it is stained by the sins against those beacon lights which are committed presently and most clearly by our tax system and which bring with them the risk of infecting other areas of law…”

– David Goldberg, QC, Gray’s Inn.

I will leave this note here otherwise the blog is too long. I will say that I maintain a belief that we are exactly where remainers want us to be. I will also go so far as to say that we are where Mrs May intended. She will align against no deal and then push to remain but first delay. This is indeed a muddle and an election is needed new MPs elected who represent their constituents if only for this to be completed. I'm sure when we are settled we won't notice their return to self-serving.

Brexit - Treachery!

Dear Mrs May

How can you allow Mr Blair to undermine this great nation to the extent that he is?  He is advising Macron on how to thwart the referendum result, two devious characters aligned in my opinion.  I am pleased that Mrs Merkel is having no part of this. He and Dominic Grieve are doing their best to undermine the British people, undermine the United Kingdom. This is shocking to the extreme!

Mrs May you appear but a shadow of our great leaders. You should act, have Blair curtailed. This is absurd who does he think he is? At least Lord Haw Haw was American.

As for these negotiations they for sure will not be binding.

An appendix doesn't add any new contract terms, which are enforceable provisions in the contract, or change the parties' obligations in the contract. However, an addendum to a contract is an addition to a contract that is a separate agreement and that can alter a contract.

Are you so desperate that you are prepared to sink us all? Either you have a deal or you don't have a deal.  Jean Claude Junker has now dismissed your optimism, denying that you have reached a settlement to the Irish backstop within the withdrawal agreement. Seriously, what is best endeavour? What does that even mean? Incidentally this is only one issue with the withdrawal agreement, Article 4 needs attention otherwise we will be under the ECJ in perpetuity.  This really is a dreadful deal.  You remind me of a rookie sales guy desperate to ingratiate with your bosses, you believe everything as the gospel. 

Mrs May your words are reflecting in the markets the £ is moving like a yo-yo.  

You're a bright lady Mrs May, so I ask are you or your kin speculating here?

Mrs May your credibility is shot to pieces, why do you insist on doing more harm?  The UK has a rich heritage, a noble past capable of honourable leadership in a complex world.  You Mrs May are making us appear as a banana republic, please step aside for the sake of our history, call an election if you must. 

In 1975 our Queen removed a sitting PM, I feel we are at that juncture yet again.  Gouth Whitlam was sacked as the PM of Australia with Malcolm Fraser installed as an interim PM. My guess the only reason that has not happened here is the alternative Corbyn would be the worst choice even worse than you. Right now we need a change, before UK PLC sinks out of sight.

Boris Johnson makes a good point, the EU has paid lip service to us for decades 90% of the decision which we oppose have passed. We are seen as the unruly child who needs to be contained. You Mrs May are perpetuating this.  Please grow a backbone and walk away, they are making you look like a petulant child. 

They export more to us than we to them.  In fact WTO countries have a better export record to the EU than we do. Our economy since 2008 has grown substantially more than the Eurozone. Fact the UK has done better than Germany.

Philip Hammond is a handicap to this government! He should be showing the way forward, he should have plans in place that support your/our endeavours with the EU. He should show how we will lead the world with free trade. We should give a tax structure that supports further investment and competes, we are already attracting investment at a greater rate than the US beaten only by China.  We are taking European investment from organizations who believe in Great Britain.

Our issues are not Brexit our issues are simply put, you, and this autocratic government who represent no one other than themselves. 

I'm ashamed of our government, I am ashamed of the devious clearly corrupt behaviour to obstruct the negotiation, I am ashamed of the expenses scandals, but above all I am ashamed of the devious behaviour of those that have frequently briefed the EU.

Mr Junker has undermined you yet again. The £ has already lost ground since you spoke. Junker's platitudes on how we have a second chance is just patronising to this great nation. I will await the review by our Attorney General Geoffrey Cox. But,  I'm not holding my breath.

Dear Mrs May

How can you allow Mr Blair to undermine this great nation to the extent that he is?  He is advising Macron on how to thwart the referendum result, two devious characters aligned in my opinion.  I am pleased that Mrs Merkel is having no part of this. He and Dominic Grieve are doing their best to undermine the British people, undermine the United Kingdom. This is shocking to the extreme!

Mrs May you appear but a shadow of our great leaders. You should act, have Blair curtailed. This is absurd who does he think he is? At least Lord Haw Haw was American.

As for these negotiations they for sure will not be binding.

An appendix doesn't add any new contract terms, which are enforceable provisions in the contract, or change the parties' obligations in the contract. However, an addendum to a contract is an addition to a contract that is a separate agreement and that can alter a contract.

Are you so desperate that you are prepared to sink us all? Either you have a deal or you don't have a deal.  Jean Claude Junker has now dismissed your optimism, denying that you have reached a settlement to the Irish backstop within the withdrawal agreement. Seriously, what is best endeavour? What does that even mean? Incidentally this is only one issue with the withdrawal agreement, Article 4 needs attention otherwise we will be under the ECJ in perpetuity.  This really is a dreadful deal.  You remind me of a rookie sales guy desperate to ingratiate with your bosses, you believe everything as the gospel. 

Mrs May your words are reflecting in the markets the £ is moving like a yo-yo.  

You're a bright lady Mrs May, so I ask are you or your kin speculating here?

Mrs May your credibility is shot to pieces, why do you insist on doing more harm?  The UK has a rich heritage, a noble past capable of honourable leadership in a complex world.  You Mrs May are making us appear as a banana republic, please step aside for the sake of our history, call an election if you must. 

In 1975 our Queen removed a sitting PM, I feel we are at that juncture yet again.  Gouth Whitlam was sacked as the PM of Australia with Malcolm Fraser installed as an interim PM. My guess the only reason that has not happened here is the alternative Corbyn would be the worst choice even worse than you. Right now we need a change, before UK PLC sinks out of sight.

Boris Johnson makes a good point, the EU has paid lip service to us for decades 90% of the decision which we oppose have passed. We are seen as the unruly child who needs to be contained. You Mrs May are perpetuating this.  Please grow a backbone and walk away, they are making you look like a petulant child. 

They export more to us than we to them.  In fact WTO countries have a better export record to the EU than we do. Our economy since 2008 has grown substantially more than the Eurozone. Fact the UK has done better than Germany.

Philip Hammond is a handicap to this government! He should be showing the way forward, he should have plans in place that support your/our endeavours with the EU. He should show how we will lead the world with free trade. We should give a tax structure that supports further investment and competes, we are already attracting investment at a greater rate than the US beaten only by China.  We are taking European investment from organizations who believe in Great Britain.

Our issues are not Brexit our issues are simply put, you, and this autocratic government who represent no one other than themselves. 

I'm ashamed of our government, I am ashamed of the devious clearly corrupt behaviour to obstruct the negotiation, I am ashamed of the expenses scandals, but above all I am ashamed of the devious behaviour of those that have frequently briefed the EU.

Mr Junker has undermined you yet again. The £ has already lost ground since you spoke. Junker's platitudes on how we have a second chance is just patronising to this great nation. I will await the review by our Attorney General Geoffrey Cox. But,  I'm not holding my breath.

Brexit - The Grim Reaper Has Come Knocking

The benefits of EU and Single Market membership have been illusory, while its costs are real, onerous and unacceptable to the majority of the British people.

Michael Burrage 2017

To remain in the single market the UK must apply all regulations and controls as defined by the EU to its entire economy. So where is the problem? The problem is, only 12% of our total GDP goes direct to the EU, the rest we export to countries outside of the EU. The anomaly in all of this; even from the 12%, approx. 2% travels to Rotterdam or Antwerp for further export leaving the EU. Therefore, you could argue 90% of our GDP carries a burden of EU regulations that are not necessary. This is costly to UK businesses.

Consider rules and regulations governing employment law. Nearly all of our GDP comes from the domestic market: Whether it is health and welfare services, the retail trade, utilities, entertainment, bars and restaurants, services such as dry cleaning and home repairs and maintenance.

The rules and regulations are having and have had a serious impact. Particularly affected by this are the NHS. The EU issued a working hour directive in 2009, limiting the hours a person can work, to 48 hours a week. They must have designated rest periods and regular breaks. Therefore, and as an example, Junior Doctors are restricted as to the number of hours they can work. I can hear you say, so they should be they seem worked to death, but consider that as a Junior doctor you must attain certain skills and experience in order to progress. Individuals are taking much longer to reach the level required, to be proficient, let alone to attain “Consultant” status.  This has a serious impact on staffing levels.  Experience is low, a reduced numbers of Consultants able to practise. This issue is right across the NHS. This is not what a junior Doctor wants when entering this career / vocation.

These rules and regulations apply right across the service sector. A sector that the ‘single market’ has no benefit. It only applies an onerous cost, as Michael Burrage claims refer in the snippet above. 

Membership of the single market is not the same as the customs union. The customs union has been around since the very beginning of the EU, whereas the single market only since 1993. lt is the customs union that decides our tariffs. Within the custom union there are three (3) elements. 

1. Members may not impose tariffs or non-tariff barriers on imports from other member states; 
2. They do, however, impose the centrally agreed tariff rates on imports from the rest of the world, the so-called Common External Tariff (CET); 
3. They give up the ability to negotiate trade relationships with other countries. This power is transferred to the EU. 

Where Theresa May has come unstuck with the negotiation:

1. She wants tariff free trade with the EU whilst not applying tariffs on product and services brought into the UK from the rest of the world. Hence, the cake and eat it scenario. 
2. The election, the result weakened her hand considerably. Although in many ways it should not have done, 80% of the votes were won on a Brexit manifesto.

To achieve 1 above this was always a tall order, a modicum of compromise was always inevitable. But to find ourselves in the situation we are today well, that is due to dishonesty on the part of MPs that have obfuscated beyond their mandate.

For the EU to agree to 1 above this would result in the rest of the world driving their exports to the EU via the UK, therefore avoiding the CET. This would be folly on the part of the EU, not least for the loss of revenue. Of course advocates of the Customs Union are keen we remain a member. But again there are no intrinsic benefits to our membership. Food, clothing and footwear would still have considerable tariffs applied, and of course we would not be able to strike free trade deals from around the world. As I've said before the EU take less of our exports at a time when WTO countries trade has grown substantially. 

Not to make light of the tariffs more to show the bizarre way in which they are applied. Unicycles have a 15% tariff applied, whereby a sub orbital spacecraft has only a 4% levy. Food and beverages are subject to considerably more. Confectionery has a tariff just shy of 30%, some dairy products that's around 50%, Grapes 17% and frozen prawns 20%. If you research the tariff regime it's clear there is no logic to this and nor can anyone explain the rational, it is purely arbitrary. 

I'll leave this blog here. I continue to hope we follow through and free ourselves from these shackles. 

As Margaret Thatcher said:

The benefits of EU and Single Market membership have been illusory, while its costs are real, onerous and unacceptable to the majority of the British people.

Michael Burrage 2017

To remain in the single market the UK must apply all regulations and controls as defined by the EU to its entire economy. So where is the problem? The problem is, only 12% of our total GDP goes direct to the EU, the rest we export to countries outside of the EU. The anomaly in all of this; even from the 12%, approx. 2% travels to Rotterdam or Antwerp for further export leaving the EU. Therefore, you could argue 90% of our GDP carries a burden of EU regulations that are not necessary. This is costly to UK businesses.

Consider rules and regulations governing employment law. Nearly all of our GDP comes from the domestic market: Whether it is health and welfare services, the retail trade, utilities, entertainment, bars and restaurants, services such as dry cleaning and home repairs and maintenance.

The rules and regulations are having and have had a serious impact. Particularly affected by this are the NHS. The EU issued a working hour directive in 2009, limiting the hours a person can work, to 48 hours a week. They must have designated rest periods and regular breaks. Therefore, and as an example, Junior Doctors are restricted as to the number of hours they can work. I can hear you say, so they should be they seem worked to death, but consider that as a Junior doctor you must attain certain skills and experience in order to progress. Individuals are taking much longer to reach the level required, to be proficient, let alone to attain “Consultant” status.  This has a serious impact on staffing levels.  Experience is low, a reduced numbers of Consultants able to practise. This issue is right across the NHS. This is not what a junior Doctor wants when entering this career / vocation.

These rules and regulations apply right across the service sector. A sector that the ‘single market’ has no benefit. It only applies an onerous cost, as Michael Burrage claims refer in the snippet above. 

Membership of the single market is not the same as the customs union. The customs union has been around since the very beginning of the EU, whereas the single market only since 1993. lt is the customs union that decides our tariffs. Within the custom union there are three (3) elements. 

1. Members may not impose tariffs or non-tariff barriers on imports from other member states; 
2. They do, however, impose the centrally agreed tariff rates on imports from the rest of the world, the so-called Common External Tariff (CET); 
3. They give up the ability to negotiate trade relationships with other countries. This power is transferred to the EU. 

Where Theresa May has come unstuck with the negotiation:

1. She wants tariff free trade with the EU whilst not applying tariffs on product and services brought into the UK from the rest of the world. Hence, the cake and eat it scenario. 
2. The election, the result weakened her hand considerably. Although in many ways it should not have done, 80% of the votes were won on a Brexit manifesto.

To achieve 1 above this was always a tall order, a modicum of compromise was always inevitable. But to find ourselves in the situation we are today well, that is due to dishonesty on the part of MPs that have obfuscated beyond their mandate.

For the EU to agree to 1 above this would result in the rest of the world driving their exports to the EU via the UK, therefore avoiding the CET. This would be folly on the part of the EU, not least for the loss of revenue. Of course advocates of the Customs Union are keen we remain a member. But again there are no intrinsic benefits to our membership. Food, clothing and footwear would still have considerable tariffs applied, and of course we would not be able to strike free trade deals from around the world. As I've said before the EU take less of our exports at a time when WTO countries trade has grown substantially. 

Not to make light of the tariffs more to show the bizarre way in which they are applied. Unicycles have a 15% tariff applied, whereby a sub orbital spacecraft has only a 4% levy. Food and beverages are subject to considerably more. Confectionery has a tariff just shy of 30%, some dairy products that's around 50%, Grapes 17% and frozen prawns 20%. If you research the tariff regime it's clear there is no logic to this and nor can anyone explain the rational, it is purely arbitrary. 

I'll leave this blog here. I continue to hope we follow through and free ourselves from these shackles. 

As Margaret Thatcher said: