The walter Mitty of Parliament David Lammy

Leopard will never change its spots. So why will the EU?

We've had the madness of King George who lost America. Now we have the Madness of Mrs May who has lost Great Britain. Each day that passes we have more distance between what is legally correct and what is Mrs May's interpretation. This is known as a dictatorship! 

We have legally left the EU, yet we have to go to court to prove it! Why because our PM is a Dictator! March 29th was enshrined in law. Enshrined in the English Bill Of Rights no foreign Prince, person, prelate, state or potentate can rule England. 

I watched the TV this weekend just as many have, I am staggered at the events that have taken place. I am also concerned by the freedoms of interpretation that our press have. I saw little in the way of the solidarity shown to the 70-year para veteran by the bikers parading through London, this was a remarkable example of comradery shown to a serving para during the Irish troubles.  The troubles were appalling but a line has been drawn, amnesty has been granted, and we must move on. Why then is a para being dragged through the courts for something that happened 40 years ago, a period in time others have long been pardoned for. It is exactly this stupidity that will bring the troubles alive again causing divisions across the divide. 

I watched the David Lammy interview on the Andrew Marr show. I am aghast at the accusation that the ERG are N..i's in fact worse he explains that the term is too soft a term.

1. Mr Lammy anti-Semitism sits firmly in the labour domain. 

2. My hope is that Mr Lammy is arrested for that despicable accusation, for he has no parliamentary privilege on the Andrew Marr show. The protestor was arrested for calling Anna Sourby the same.

3. Having watched Mr Lammy on Question time, I have to say; it will be difficult to bring decorum to Parliament when emotions and accusations are so childish. 

We do indeed need an election to weed this lot out of Parliament. But! Of course, after such a difficult period to let a Marxist in shell suit run the worlds 5th biggest economy this would be the icing on the cake, the nail in the coffin for the demise of the UK.

The UK has the second best investment, 2nd only to China, we have the best growth in Europe, better than Germany double that of France. Our employment is remarkably strong, when you compare to the Eurozone we are positively utopia, why then are there so many eminent characters fighting to keep us shackled to the EU.

Terms like the EU is the biggest trading block in the world, this is rubbish, simply not true. Asian economies are the biggest trading block, the EU is a dwarf to this block and will represent less than 10%, as Asian countries displace the top 5 economies.  It is an informal gathering of supportive nations. I have written much on this subject reference the wave mentality driving Asia's growth over 50 years. Click here to view.  Here there is no ivory tower, no tax funded wine cellars or jamborees just good honest gatherings. No Verhofstadt demanding Sovereignty be stripped of participating neighbours. There is no regulation stifling growth. No CET forcing cost by as much as 50% (dairy products) on hard done by consumers.

I watched the Andrew Neil interview with Ken Clarke, my jaw dragging the floor in astonishment. Mr Clarke has no basis for his argument other than a leopard will indeed change their spots, which of course we all know it does not. 

In terms of changing approach, if that were the case the EU would have recognized by now that the ideology behind the Euro is destroying the youth of the Mediterranean countries. The Euro will fail and if the Med countries are expelled for their own survival, the world will see a kick back that will make 2008 look like a tea party. For sure any currency they adopt will be so burdened with debt that it will not be able to sustain itself causing a collapse and a default. 

If Ken Clarke is so sure of himself then why are we in this situation with this dogged divisive negotiation.  A negotiation that will destroy the German car industry if someone doesn't soon apply the brake. 

The only news worthy of note is Boris' article in the Telegraph where he claims once this is done the pent-up investment looking to come into the UK will be unleashed. Well we have evidence of that inward investment, since the referendum it has been remarkably strong. No thanks to Mr Osborne.

Thank you for reading please comment, follow and like please, I appreciate the support and the many shares. 

We've had the madness of King George who lost America. Now we have the Madness of Mrs May who has lost Great Britain. Each day that passes we have more distance between what is legally correct and what is Mrs May's interpretation. This is known as a dictatorship! 

We have legally left the EU, yet we have to go to court to prove it! Why because our PM is a Dictator! March 29th was enshrined in law. Enshrined in the English Bill Of Rights no foreign Prince, person, prelate, state or potentate can rule England. 

I watched the TV this weekend just as many have, I am staggered at the events that have taken place. I am also concerned by the freedoms of interpretation that our press have. I saw little in the way of the solidarity shown to the 70-year para veteran by the bikers parading through London, this was a remarkable example of comradery shown to a serving para during the Irish troubles.  The troubles were appalling but a line has been drawn, amnesty has been granted, and we must move on. Why then is a para being dragged through the courts for something that happened 40 years ago, a period in time others have long been pardoned for. It is exactly this stupidity that will bring the troubles alive again causing divisions across the divide. 

I watched the David Lammy interview on the Andrew Marr show. I am aghast at the accusation that the ERG are N..i's in fact worse he explains that the term is too soft a term.

1. Mr Lammy anti-Semitism sits firmly in the labour domain. 

2. My hope is that Mr Lammy is arrested for that despicable accusation, for he has no parliamentary privilege on the Andrew Marr show. The protestor was arrested for calling Anna Sourby the same.

3. Having watched Mr Lammy on Question time, I have to say; it will be difficult to bring decorum to Parliament when emotions and accusations are so childish. 

We do indeed need an election to weed this lot out of Parliament. But! Of course, after such a difficult period to let a Marxist in shell suit run the worlds 5th biggest economy this would be the icing on the cake, the nail in the coffin for the demise of the UK.

The UK has the second best investment, 2nd only to China, we have the best growth in Europe, better than Germany double that of France. Our employment is remarkably strong, when you compare to the Eurozone we are positively utopia, why then are there so many eminent characters fighting to keep us shackled to the EU.

Terms like the EU is the biggest trading block in the world, this is rubbish, simply not true. Asian economies are the biggest trading block, the EU is a dwarf to this block and will represent less than 10%, as Asian countries displace the top 5 economies.  It is an informal gathering of supportive nations. I have written much on this subject reference the wave mentality driving Asia's growth over 50 years. Click here to view.  Here there is no ivory tower, no tax funded wine cellars or jamborees just good honest gatherings. No Verhofstadt demanding Sovereignty be stripped of participating neighbours. There is no regulation stifling growth. No CET forcing cost by as much as 50% (dairy products) on hard done by consumers.

I watched the Andrew Neil interview with Ken Clarke, my jaw dragging the floor in astonishment. Mr Clarke has no basis for his argument other than a leopard will indeed change their spots, which of course we all know it does not. 

In terms of changing approach, if that were the case the EU would have recognized by now that the ideology behind the Euro is destroying the youth of the Mediterranean countries. The Euro will fail and if the Med countries are expelled for their own survival, the world will see a kick back that will make 2008 look like a tea party. For sure any currency they adopt will be so burdened with debt that it will not be able to sustain itself causing a collapse and a default. 

If Ken Clarke is so sure of himself then why are we in this situation with this dogged divisive negotiation.  A negotiation that will destroy the German car industry if someone doesn't soon apply the brake. 

The only news worthy of note is Boris' article in the Telegraph where he claims once this is done the pent-up investment looking to come into the UK will be unleashed. Well we have evidence of that inward investment, since the referendum it has been remarkably strong. No thanks to Mr Osborne.

Thank you for reading please comment, follow and like please, I appreciate the support and the many shares. 

UK brush with Hotel California - Eagles

Could Scotland Push For A 2nd Referendum?

In 1707 Scotland and the Scots we're bought and sold for English Gold or so say the words of Robert Burns. When, in reality the union had formed 54 years earlier with the formation of the Commonwealth between the two countries with the United Kingdom coming into force 1 May 1707.

A Remarkable alliance by all accounts, on one side the English were concerned that the Scots would form or rekindle an old alliance with the French, turning against the English. England had become reliant on many Scots regiments to fight within the army of the then Commonwealth, the fear that these troops would change sides was a real and present danger. On the Scottish side they were heavily in debt following an investment intended to create a great trading route between the Atlantic and stretching across the Pacific. With every Scot, or those that could invest £5 invested in a new pioneering venture based in Panama. This failed impoverishing Scottish folk, hence the term coined by Robert Burns. Whilst the term had negative tones the intent was honourable,  and of mutual benefit.

Today we have a real and present danger that the Union will be shattered after a no deal Brexit. This has reduced somewhat due to the SNP losing seats at the last election but it hasn't disappeared. With Parliament behaving the way it has, this could be the catalyst that forces the disintegration of the union, not Brexit.

In many ways this should give time for reflection by those ardent Brexiteers. On one hand the European Union is not flavour of the age, but the historic union between the two great Kingdoms is, and a delicate path forward has to be found. The fragility of the UK is further at risk due to the parliamentary shenanigans. Brexit has been mishandled.

The UK is worthy of saving, and the EU is worthy of leaving. We have a long and powerful history together, fought in wars together. We have a shared language, a shared monarchy, and we have both benefited economically and will continue to do so once we are through this, what is a silly season in British Politics.

Scottish secession will be won or lost based on ideology, emotion and a misguided dislike of all things English. This would be a travesty as undoubtedly we have prospered together. The EU presents a real and present danger to Scotland should they get their hands on this culturally rich kingdom. However, Scotland could well be a bystander in the success of Great Britain and those that remain in the United Kingdom. 

In the Union's favour is of course the economic circumstances. Scotland's economy is reliant on oil, during the last referendum for Scottish Independence the oil price hovered around $120 per barrel, looking poised to accelerate northward, today we have $60 approx. The economic situation is a far cry from 2014. Even 2014 the economic well-being of Scotland was far from assured. Today it would make no sense at all, particularly when you look to the Eurozone and their lacklustre growth. For sure Scotland would need to participate in the Euro and the eurozone has been a straight jacket to many EU economies.

Let's be clear for Scotland to be a success austerity would need to bite more severely than it has. Taxes would have to rise and public spending would need to be cut. The Remaining UK tax payers subsidise Scotland to the tune of £1000 per head per year. 

The EU have made clear Scotland will leave the EU when the UK leaves the EU. Scotland would have to join the EU by taking its place in the queue. Membership is not at all assured. Spain will most certainly veto membership fearing a backlash from Catalonia.  Although, in 2017 Spain have said they would not veto Scotland joining it is generally felt that that was an enforced political posturing. 

To detract from the emotional passion to pull away from England, there are several factors to consider:

1. The Scottish English border would be a headache for the EU. 
2. Scotland’s exports to England and Wales are today four times larger than they export to the EU.
3. Scottish businessmen and women will most certainly migrate south causing a significant exodus of wealth and jobs from an already beleaguered nation.
4. The subsidy argument should not be dismissed, the EU would need to take up the slack at a time when they are reeling from the loss from what is the equivalent of 20 EU states.

The upshot is that the economic losses for Scotland from leaving the UK are probably greater with the UK out of the EU. Meanwhile, as the EU’s problems mount, and indeed the chances of an EU break-up rise, the wider case for Scotland to leave the UK looks weaker still. Suppose Scotland left the UK, believing that the EU would give it shelter, only to find that the EU had broken up. What a fate that would be. So, in contrast to the prevailing conventional wisdom, I believe that a Scottish secession from the UK is now much less likely than it was a few years ago. Click here

In 1707 Scotland and the Scots we're bought and sold for English Gold or so say the words of Robert Burns. When, in reality the union had formed 54 years earlier with the formation of the Commonwealth between the two countries with the United Kingdom coming into force 1 May 1707.

A Remarkable alliance by all accounts, on one side the English were concerned that the Scots would form or rekindle an old alliance with the French, turning against the English. England had become reliant on many Scots regiments to fight within the army of the then Commonwealth, the fear that these troops would change sides was a real and present danger. On the Scottish side they were heavily in debt following an investment intended to create a great trading route between the Atlantic and stretching across the Pacific. With every Scot, or those that could invest £5 invested in a new pioneering venture based in Panama. This failed impoverishing Scottish folk, hence the term coined by Robert Burns. Whilst the term had negative tones the intent was honourable,  and of mutual benefit.

Today we have a real and present danger that the Union will be shattered after a no deal Brexit. This has reduced somewhat due to the SNP losing seats at the last election but it hasn't disappeared. With Parliament behaving the way it has, this could be the catalyst that forces the disintegration of the union, not Brexit.

In many ways this should give time for reflection by those ardent Brexiteers. On one hand the European Union is not flavour of the age, but the historic union between the two great Kingdoms is, and a delicate path forward has to be found. The fragility of the UK is further at risk due to the parliamentary shenanigans. Brexit has been mishandled.

The UK is worthy of saving, and the EU is worthy of leaving. We have a long and powerful history together, fought in wars together. We have a shared language, a shared monarchy, and we have both benefited economically and will continue to do so once we are through this, what is a silly season in British Politics.

Scottish secession will be won or lost based on ideology, emotion and a misguided dislike of all things English. This would be a travesty as undoubtedly we have prospered together. The EU presents a real and present danger to Scotland should they get their hands on this culturally rich kingdom. However, Scotland could well be a bystander in the success of Great Britain and those that remain in the United Kingdom. 

In the Union's favour is of course the economic circumstances. Scotland's economy is reliant on oil, during the last referendum for Scottish Independence the oil price hovered around $120 per barrel, looking poised to accelerate northward, today we have $60 approx. The economic situation is a far cry from 2014. Even 2014 the economic well-being of Scotland was far from assured. Today it would make no sense at all, particularly when you look to the Eurozone and their lacklustre growth. For sure Scotland would need to participate in the Euro and the eurozone has been a straight jacket to many EU economies.

Let's be clear for Scotland to be a success austerity would need to bite more severely than it has. Taxes would have to rise and public spending would need to be cut. The Remaining UK tax payers subsidise Scotland to the tune of £1000 per head per year. 

The EU have made clear Scotland will leave the EU when the UK leaves the EU. Scotland would have to join the EU by taking its place in the queue. Membership is not at all assured. Spain will most certainly veto membership fearing a backlash from Catalonia.  Although, in 2017 Spain have said they would not veto Scotland joining it is generally felt that that was an enforced political posturing. 

To detract from the emotional passion to pull away from England, there are several factors to consider:

1. The Scottish English border would be a headache for the EU. 
2. Scotland’s exports to England and Wales are today four times larger than they export to the EU.
3. Scottish businessmen and women will most certainly migrate south causing a significant exodus of wealth and jobs from an already beleaguered nation.
4. The subsidy argument should not be dismissed, the EU would need to take up the slack at a time when they are reeling from the loss from what is the equivalent of 20 EU states.

The upshot is that the economic losses for Scotland from leaving the UK are probably greater with the UK out of the EU. Meanwhile, as the EU’s problems mount, and indeed the chances of an EU break-up rise, the wider case for Scotland to leave the UK looks weaker still. Suppose Scotland left the UK, believing that the EU would give it shelter, only to find that the EU had broken up. What a fate that would be. So, in contrast to the prevailing conventional wisdom, I believe that a Scottish secession from the UK is now much less likely than it was a few years ago. Click here

Brexit - Please Let It End

In a spirit of Saturday this is written with a lighter tone, with relatable instances

When I woke up this morning I quickly opened the BBC news website to check the 3rd vote, I was relieved to hear it had failed again, but, as I read on, I saw she intends to bring it back a 4th time. Mrs May enough!! You're starting to behave like a rerun of Nick Clegg denying the EU army!

I have long been saying that this deal is a war time capitulation, a surrender document. I was pleased to hear Yanis Varoufakis make the same claim on Question Time Thursday last.

As, I showered I considered a time prior to 1973 when we joined the EU on a lie. Ted Heath hid the facts from Parliament as to the true intentions of the EU and how it was expected to evolve into this super state that we are seeing today. The Werner report had already been published the path was set, sovereignty would give way and monetary union would follow.  But, Ted a man whom I met in the early 80s and chatted to about of all things about the price of copper whilst we stood against the porcelain at The Waterside Inn in Bray near Maidenhead an elegant Michelin star restaurant adjoining the Thames

It wasn't until 1975, that the “Common Market's ” true intentions were revealed, hence the referendum backed up by the government pamphlet making clear as to the path we were on. But, by this time we were in.  It's important to remember the 70s.  The 70s were known as our darkest decade in peacetime. The days when unions controlled the agenda, with the likes of Red Robbo a man who orchestrated 523 strikes bringing to its knees 40% of all our manufacturing, ultimately paving the way for British Leyland’s demise. An unions agenda was clear during this period it was to bring the UK to its knees and pass it to their communist masters in the Soviet Union. So for sure the common sense position was always to stay with the EU.  But we should be mindful that in later years Mikeal Gorbachev’s quote “the EU is the Soviet Union in western clothes”.

Reflecting back to the days pre the EU, I remembered certain events by today's standard perhaps could not exist. A man would visit our doorstep perhaps three days of the week, he would drive a chocolate brown Morris 1000 van emblazoned across the side were gold lettering in Roman font ”Whitehorn Bakers”. I scurried to the door, my mum perhaps flirtatiously would greet him, I've added that bit but for sure she bought a lot from him the rapport was already secure, what did I care as long as she bought the cream horns! No plastic in sight, the bread came in a wax paper with sheet fold ends. 

This was an era like no other and it pre-dated the EU. We used to take the bread wrapper race to the local park and polish the slide with the wax content and then see how far we could shoot off the end of the slide. Good days for some reason I always remember them as sunny days, which of course could not have been the case. Our early EU years conversely I remember them as dark, cold, gloomy days as we huddled around an open fire during the many power cuts as we endured the 3-day week. We were more fortunate as coal was scarce, the miners had us on our knees my dad was able to purchase vast quantities as and when it was available.  The coal lorry loaded with black sacks, men would stagger into our coal shed with endless bags loaded on their backs protected by what was known as Donkey Jackets with a leather shoulder patch.

In short there was a life prior to the EU and by all accounts it was a good life. I'm not suggesting we will go back to sunny uplands, just that we really reflect on what the EU offers this modern world. It offers a story from the past. Mikael Gorbachev is correct in his assertion. The EU is an ideology with no new ideas. It is a collection of self-indulgent elites who are stifling great nations, destroying hope to millions across the Med. Sucking the life blood out of the economies of the richer nations. 

Look to how the world has evolved! The British Empire dominated the 19C. Americanisation the 20thC. The EU Century has not and will not happen. This Century belongs to Asia, here we have a form of cooperation, no ivory towers just a collective understanding. The Financial crisis of 2008 was not a global crisis as we like to refer to it.  It was a western crisis Asia have grown phenomenally since 2008. Read my blog here. 

They have grown through cooperation, they have each supported each other, investing in each other, and they have done this with a wave mentality respecting each others’ sovereignty. Not one drunken official amongst them. Not one treaty leading to some form of unification. When I try to get this point across I am always met with a parochial attitude, Asia is too far, we need to reduce our carbon foot print. Yet we use Asia as our manufacturer, we ship our North Sea shell fish to Thailand to be shelled (that's another story perhaps a read of my blog of that subject you would not eat another prawn). Read my blog here

I will leave this here today.  Again thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings!

In a spirit of Saturday this is written with a lighter tone, with relatable instances

When I woke up this morning I quickly opened the BBC news website to check the 3rd vote, I was relieved to hear it had failed again, but, as I read on, I saw she intends to bring it back a 4th time. Mrs May enough!! You're starting to behave like a rerun of Nick Clegg denying the EU army!

I have long been saying that this deal is a war time capitulation, a surrender document. I was pleased to hear Yanis Varoufakis make the same claim on Question Time Thursday last.

As, I showered I considered a time prior to 1973 when we joined the EU on a lie. Ted Heath hid the facts from Parliament as to the true intentions of the EU and how it was expected to evolve into this super state that we are seeing today. The Werner report had already been published the path was set, sovereignty would give way and monetary union would follow.  But, Ted a man whom I met in the early 80s and chatted to about of all things about the price of copper whilst we stood against the porcelain at The Waterside Inn in Bray near Maidenhead an elegant Michelin star restaurant adjoining the Thames

It wasn't until 1975, that the “Common Market's ” true intentions were revealed, hence the referendum backed up by the government pamphlet making clear as to the path we were on. But, by this time we were in.  It's important to remember the 70s.  The 70s were known as our darkest decade in peacetime. The days when unions controlled the agenda, with the likes of Red Robbo a man who orchestrated 523 strikes bringing to its knees 40% of all our manufacturing, ultimately paving the way for British Leyland’s demise. An unions agenda was clear during this period it was to bring the UK to its knees and pass it to their communist masters in the Soviet Union. So for sure the common sense position was always to stay with the EU.  But we should be mindful that in later years Mikeal Gorbachev’s quote “the EU is the Soviet Union in western clothes”.

Reflecting back to the days pre the EU, I remembered certain events by today's standard perhaps could not exist. A man would visit our doorstep perhaps three days of the week, he would drive a chocolate brown Morris 1000 van emblazoned across the side were gold lettering in Roman font ”Whitehorn Bakers”. I scurried to the door, my mum perhaps flirtatiously would greet him, I've added that bit but for sure she bought a lot from him the rapport was already secure, what did I care as long as she bought the cream horns! No plastic in sight, the bread came in a wax paper with sheet fold ends. 

This was an era like no other and it pre-dated the EU. We used to take the bread wrapper race to the local park and polish the slide with the wax content and then see how far we could shoot off the end of the slide. Good days for some reason I always remember them as sunny days, which of course could not have been the case. Our early EU years conversely I remember them as dark, cold, gloomy days as we huddled around an open fire during the many power cuts as we endured the 3-day week. We were more fortunate as coal was scarce, the miners had us on our knees my dad was able to purchase vast quantities as and when it was available.  The coal lorry loaded with black sacks, men would stagger into our coal shed with endless bags loaded on their backs protected by what was known as Donkey Jackets with a leather shoulder patch.

In short there was a life prior to the EU and by all accounts it was a good life. I'm not suggesting we will go back to sunny uplands, just that we really reflect on what the EU offers this modern world. It offers a story from the past. Mikael Gorbachev is correct in his assertion. The EU is an ideology with no new ideas. It is a collection of self-indulgent elites who are stifling great nations, destroying hope to millions across the Med. Sucking the life blood out of the economies of the richer nations. 

Look to how the world has evolved! The British Empire dominated the 19C. Americanisation the 20thC. The EU Century has not and will not happen. This Century belongs to Asia, here we have a form of cooperation, no ivory towers just a collective understanding. The Financial crisis of 2008 was not a global crisis as we like to refer to it.  It was a western crisis Asia have grown phenomenally since 2008. Read my blog here. 

They have grown through cooperation, they have each supported each other, investing in each other, and they have done this with a wave mentality respecting each others’ sovereignty. Not one drunken official amongst them. Not one treaty leading to some form of unification. When I try to get this point across I am always met with a parochial attitude, Asia is too far, we need to reduce our carbon foot print. Yet we use Asia as our manufacturer, we ship our North Sea shell fish to Thailand to be shelled (that's another story perhaps a read of my blog of that subject you would not eat another prawn). Read my blog here

I will leave this here today.  Again thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings!

Brexit - Ma'am please bring the party to an end!

It's time Ma'am! You stepped in before and replaced a sitting PM.

In 1975: Australia had a government shutdown once. In the end, the queen fired everyone in Parliament.  A new PM was appointed, elections were held, they never mis-behaved again.

It's time to do so again Ma'am for the sake of your loyal subjects.

It's time Ma'am! You stepped in before and replaced a sitting PM.

In 1975: Australia had a government shutdown once. In the end, the queen fired everyone in Parliament.  A new PM was appointed, elections were held, they never mis-behaved again.

It's time to do so again Ma'am for the sake of your loyal subjects.

Macron endangers the EU! More so than Brexit

Dear Monsieur Macron

You really do appear a devious character. Your new plan to isolate the eastern states is nothing other than subterfuge. It is you trying to play with the big boys and girls. Let's be clear you win no friends from anywhere you go.  After the meeting in No. 10 you called British Industry, City of London to relocate to Paris. This you did from the steps of Downing Street with our bastion of pride the famous door as your backdrop. 

Your call to the EU to isolate the eastern states is a farce. It is a plan to keep France within the core of mainstream Europe.

Monsieur Macron, your economy is in trouble, your unemployment is too high 9.1%, your labour laws are archaic.  Your destiny is to slip from mainstream Europe and join with the Latin neighbours to your south.  

Strike 1. 

Taken from the Independent Feb 2017

“The 39-year-old centrist candidate stood on the steps of Downing Street vowed to lure bankers and talented professionals from Britain as he warned that the future of Franco-British relations was at stake. Mr Macron said he would push for an unbreakable "Franco-German position" to defend the collective interests of the EU, presumably to prevent the UK trying to do individual deals with EU members as talks drag on.”

Ben Harris-Quinney, Chairman of the Bow Group, the oldest Conservative think tank, came down hard on Mr Macron’s remarks.

• He said: “Emmanuel Macron is neither a Conservative nor an office holder in France.

• “He has no business in insulting Britain on Downing Street.

• “Why he was invited is a question for the Prime Minister, but he has abused the hospitality shown to him".

• “He has made many powerful enemies in his short and ill advised trip".

• “Iain Duncan-Smith is right, he is in the same fantasy world as Hollande if he thinks any financiers will be moving from Britain to France.”

Strike 2.

The difficult relations with Italy, recalling the French Ambassador. The last time this was done in 1940 a prelude to war.

France and its president carry their share of guilt for the deteriorated relations. It was Macron who first targeted the Italian government’s migrant policy as “inhumane” and lashed at the “nationalist leprosy” spreading across Europe. His “Macron's” government’s decision to close its borders to migrants has created bottlenecks in northern Italy and exposed it to accusations of cynicism and duplicity. Cross-border incursions by French police seeking to stop migrants in the Alps have enraged Italy. 

Above all, Macron has relished the confrontation with Europe’s populists, from Italy’s Salvini to Hungary’s Viktor Orban, perhaps just as much as they have.

“President Macron sees those anti-establishment figures as ideal targets – but the opposite is also true,” Jan Zielonka, a professor of European politics at the University of Oxford, told FRANCE 24, noting that the French president “represents the liberal establishment they detest so much”.

Zielonka said France’s decision to recall its ambassador would hand the Italian government “an opportunity to score points ahead of the European elections”, describing the move as “unprecedented, even exaggerated”.

Strike 3

If anything were guaranteed to salve a bruised faith in human nature, it is the video of the dramatic rescue of a baby in Paris. Mamoudou Gassama, a 22-year-old “sans papiers”, or undocumented migrant, from Mali, saw a lone toddler dangling from a fourth-floor balcony in the 18th arrondissement, and climbed up the outside of the building to save him, while onlookers cheered. The exploit made him famous as the “Spider-Man of the 18th”, and yesterday he went to the Elysée Palace to meet Emmanuel Macron. Awarding Gassama a medal for bravery, the president told him he would be immediately naturalised as a French citizen, and given a job with the Paris firefighters.

Macron, however, himself highlighted the contrast with France’s usual policy towards migrants. “We can’t just give papers to everyone who comes from Mali, from Burkina,” Le Parisien reported Macron as telling Gassama. “We’ll grant them asylum if they’re in danger, but not for economic reasons. But you did something exceptional. Even if you didn’t think about it, it’s an act of bravery and strength that has drawn everyone’s admiration.” It’s hard to say if Macron really intended the tone of patrician condescension to the noble savage from the former colony, but he made his general point very clear in the press conference afterwards: “An exceptional act doesn’t change politics.”

It's time Mummy taught this guy some humility.

Dear Monsieur Macron

You really do appear a devious character. Your new plan to isolate the eastern states is nothing other than subterfuge. It is you trying to play with the big boys and girls. Let's be clear you win no friends from anywhere you go.  After the meeting in No. 10 you called British Industry, City of London to relocate to Paris. This you did from the steps of Downing Street with our bastion of pride the famous door as your backdrop. 

Your call to the EU to isolate the eastern states is a farce. It is a plan to keep France within the core of mainstream Europe.

Monsieur Macron, your economy is in trouble, your unemployment is too high 9.1%, your labour laws are archaic.  Your destiny is to slip from mainstream Europe and join with the Latin neighbours to your south.  

Strike 1. 

Taken from the Independent Feb 2017

“The 39-year-old centrist candidate stood on the steps of Downing Street vowed to lure bankers and talented professionals from Britain as he warned that the future of Franco-British relations was at stake. Mr Macron said he would push for an unbreakable "Franco-German position" to defend the collective interests of the EU, presumably to prevent the UK trying to do individual deals with EU members as talks drag on.”

Ben Harris-Quinney, Chairman of the Bow Group, the oldest Conservative think tank, came down hard on Mr Macron’s remarks.

• He said: “Emmanuel Macron is neither a Conservative nor an office holder in France.

• “He has no business in insulting Britain on Downing Street.

• “Why he was invited is a question for the Prime Minister, but he has abused the hospitality shown to him".

• “He has made many powerful enemies in his short and ill advised trip".

• “Iain Duncan-Smith is right, he is in the same fantasy world as Hollande if he thinks any financiers will be moving from Britain to France.”

Strike 2.

The difficult relations with Italy, recalling the French Ambassador. The last time this was done in 1940 a prelude to war.

France and its president carry their share of guilt for the deteriorated relations. It was Macron who first targeted the Italian government’s migrant policy as “inhumane” and lashed at the “nationalist leprosy” spreading across Europe. His “Macron's” government’s decision to close its borders to migrants has created bottlenecks in northern Italy and exposed it to accusations of cynicism and duplicity. Cross-border incursions by French police seeking to stop migrants in the Alps have enraged Italy. 

Above all, Macron has relished the confrontation with Europe’s populists, from Italy’s Salvini to Hungary’s Viktor Orban, perhaps just as much as they have.

“President Macron sees those anti-establishment figures as ideal targets – but the opposite is also true,” Jan Zielonka, a professor of European politics at the University of Oxford, told FRANCE 24, noting that the French president “represents the liberal establishment they detest so much”.

Zielonka said France’s decision to recall its ambassador would hand the Italian government “an opportunity to score points ahead of the European elections”, describing the move as “unprecedented, even exaggerated”.

Strike 3

If anything were guaranteed to salve a bruised faith in human nature, it is the video of the dramatic rescue of a baby in Paris. Mamoudou Gassama, a 22-year-old “sans papiers”, or undocumented migrant, from Mali, saw a lone toddler dangling from a fourth-floor balcony in the 18th arrondissement, and climbed up the outside of the building to save him, while onlookers cheered. The exploit made him famous as the “Spider-Man of the 18th”, and yesterday he went to the Elysée Palace to meet Emmanuel Macron. Awarding Gassama a medal for bravery, the president told him he would be immediately naturalised as a French citizen, and given a job with the Paris firefighters.

Macron, however, himself highlighted the contrast with France’s usual policy towards migrants. “We can’t just give papers to everyone who comes from Mali, from Burkina,” Le Parisien reported Macron as telling Gassama. “We’ll grant them asylum if they’re in danger, but not for economic reasons. But you did something exceptional. Even if you didn’t think about it, it’s an act of bravery and strength that has drawn everyone’s admiration.” It’s hard to say if Macron really intended the tone of patrician condescension to the noble savage from the former colony, but he made his general point very clear in the press conference afterwards: “An exceptional act doesn’t change politics.”

It's time Mummy taught this guy some humility.

Could there be riots if brexit is delayed?

Could there be disappointment amongst the electorate if we are to delay Brexit. I don't know, but I am sure given the emotion on this issue, the level of confidence we have in our representatives, the self sabotage the MPs have done to themselves it is highly likely.

1. The MPs have openly gone against the “Will of the people”. This is not their job they are there to represent the people.  It is their job, it is what they are paid to do. 
2. The manifestos garnered 80% of all the votes, the manifestos made clear the referendum would be honoured, brexit means brexit. 
3. Compound the issue we the electorate have been told repeatedly that we are stupid, that we got it wrong, that we must vote again.

This really does not inspire confidence for future votes. Anna Sourby can attest to, her members were set on her deselection, the only way to hang in was to go as an independent. For sure, we have heard the last of her.

For the longest time we have been told the referendum has been won on a lie.  I can't for the life of me see where the lie was. Sure the bus, much has been made of this but the NHS have had an increase of some significance. The immigration queues, perhaps this has upset many liberal do-gooders, but the facts are there. By opening up to the Eastern states formerly under Soviet control there was a miscalculation. There was an overwhelming increase from those seeking better prospects and were prepared to come in at a lower pay, reducing salaries, taking jobs and generally swamping our services. This was a benefit to the big corporation not to the average man or women on the street whose overheads are from the UK.

As to the labels that are placed upon us I have to refer back to a speech Mrs Thatcher made, “It's always good when they call you names it means they no longer have a single political argument in which to support their reasoning”.
On that note, I can not for the life of me refer to a single argument for staying in the EU. There is so much out there that shows compelling reasons to leave.

1. Our exports to the EU have shrunk at a time when WTO countries exports to the EU have risen.
2. The EU, euro zone since 2008 has managed only a 2% + growth over that period.  The UK has achieved 8%.
3. Unemployment across the EU is significant it's 7.9% average if you consider the under 25s it is dire.  French unemployment sits at 9.1%, the UK is around 4%.

Investment into the UK since the referendum has so far been so good that we came in ahead of the USA, we were beaten only by China.  Indeed, the investment picture makes leaving even more compelling, as many EU countries and industries are piling money into the UK. There is a strong expectation that leaving will be good for the UK.

1. Our exports to the EU represent just 10% of our GDP, some figures show this as 12% but in reality 2% passes through Rotterdam and Antwerp. 
2. Of course if we avoid the withdrawal agreement as tabled then we regain control of our borders and our laws. Be mindful of article 4 of the withdrawal agreement there is a trap inside this article which will keep us under the ECJ.
3. Regulation has grown enormously and this regulation has to be applied unilaterally across all our manufactured products regardless of the destination. This is a significant unnecessary burden to businesses. After all why is it necessary to warn people that Salmon may contain fish. 
4. Tariffs coming into the UK from farms and producers outside of the EU are absurd. Some dairy products carry a 50% tariff. Confectionery 30%, Frozen prawns 20% which is a recent increase from 14%. Since the referendum there have been 266 new tariffs applied to product and produce coming into the EU. 

When you climb inside this, there appears no rational argument or reasoning for many of these tariffs other than to generate revenue for the EU coffers.

Therefore, we have to ask ourselves what is the argument to stay inside this monstrous authoritarian block. Why do Blair, Clegg, Adonis, Clarke, Major et all. Insist we are at risk if we leave, there are still today no arguments to support remain only vested interests and name-calling.

Mikael Gorbachev once said “The EU is the old Soviet Union in Western clothes”.

Could there be disappointment amongst the electorate if we are to delay Brexit. I don't know, but I am sure given the emotion on this issue, the level of confidence we have in our representatives, the self sabotage the MPs have done to themselves it is highly likely.

1. The MPs have openly gone against the “Will of the people”. This is not their job they are there to represent the people.  It is their job, it is what they are paid to do. 
2. The manifestos garnered 80% of all the votes, the manifestos made clear the referendum would be honoured, brexit means brexit. 
3. Compound the issue we the electorate have been told repeatedly that we are stupid, that we got it wrong, that we must vote again.

This really does not inspire confidence for future votes. Anna Sourby can attest to, her members were set on her deselection, the only way to hang in was to go as an independent. For sure, we have heard the last of her.

For the longest time we have been told the referendum has been won on a lie.  I can't for the life of me see where the lie was. Sure the bus, much has been made of this but the NHS have had an increase of some significance. The immigration queues, perhaps this has upset many liberal do-gooders, but the facts are there. By opening up to the Eastern states formerly under Soviet control there was a miscalculation. There was an overwhelming increase from those seeking better prospects and were prepared to come in at a lower pay, reducing salaries, taking jobs and generally swamping our services. This was a benefit to the big corporation not to the average man or women on the street whose overheads are from the UK.

As to the labels that are placed upon us I have to refer back to a speech Mrs Thatcher made, “It's always good when they call you names it means they no longer have a single political argument in which to support their reasoning”.
On that note, I can not for the life of me refer to a single argument for staying in the EU. There is so much out there that shows compelling reasons to leave.

1. Our exports to the EU have shrunk at a time when WTO countries exports to the EU have risen.
2. The EU, euro zone since 2008 has managed only a 2% + growth over that period.  The UK has achieved 8%.
3. Unemployment across the EU is significant it's 7.9% average if you consider the under 25s it is dire.  French unemployment sits at 9.1%, the UK is around 4%.

Investment into the UK since the referendum has so far been so good that we came in ahead of the USA, we were beaten only by China.  Indeed, the investment picture makes leaving even more compelling, as many EU countries and industries are piling money into the UK. There is a strong expectation that leaving will be good for the UK.

1. Our exports to the EU represent just 10% of our GDP, some figures show this as 12% but in reality 2% passes through Rotterdam and Antwerp. 
2. Of course if we avoid the withdrawal agreement as tabled then we regain control of our borders and our laws. Be mindful of article 4 of the withdrawal agreement there is a trap inside this article which will keep us under the ECJ.
3. Regulation has grown enormously and this regulation has to be applied unilaterally across all our manufactured products regardless of the destination. This is a significant unnecessary burden to businesses. After all why is it necessary to warn people that Salmon may contain fish. 
4. Tariffs coming into the UK from farms and producers outside of the EU are absurd. Some dairy products carry a 50% tariff. Confectionery 30%, Frozen prawns 20% which is a recent increase from 14%. Since the referendum there have been 266 new tariffs applied to product and produce coming into the EU. 

When you climb inside this, there appears no rational argument or reasoning for many of these tariffs other than to generate revenue for the EU coffers.

Therefore, we have to ask ourselves what is the argument to stay inside this monstrous authoritarian block. Why do Blair, Clegg, Adonis, Clarke, Major et all. Insist we are at risk if we leave, there are still today no arguments to support remain only vested interests and name-calling.

Mikael Gorbachev once said “The EU is the old Soviet Union in Western clothes”.

Brexit - Whose MPs are they? They don't represent me

If you saw Barry Gardiner on questiontime you will see an example of how Blind arrogance attempts to overcome incompetence 

Written below is an exert from the withdrawal agreement, the language is flowery but its intent is quietly serious. Regardless of the backstop, the way we can or can not leave, that part is written such that it is the EU that has to agree that we exit, not us unilaterally. Which of course we all know they would never do as it would never be in their financial interest.  In fact if I were them, I would use it as a model for all states membership. Having 28 subservient states with no say would be perfect for the un-elected autocracy presiding in Brussels.

If you read the withdrawal agreement in particular article 4:

“ARTICLE 4

Methods and principles relating to the effect, 

the implementation and the application of this Agreement

1. The provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of Union law made applicable by this Agreement shall produce in respect of and in the United Kingdom the same legal effects as those which they produce within the Union and its Member States.

Accordingly, legal or natural persons shall in particular be able to rely directly on the provisions contained or referred to in this Agreement which meet the conditions for direct effect under Union law.

2. The United Kingdom shall ensure compliance with paragraph 1, including as regards the required powers of its judicial and administrative authorities to disapply inconsistent or incompatible domestic provisions, through domestic primary legislation.

3. The provisions of this Agreement referring to Union law or to concepts or provisions thereof shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with the methods and general principles of Union law.

4. The provisions of this Agreement referring to Union law or to concepts or provisions thereof shall in their implementation and application be interpreted in conformity with the relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union handed down before the end of the transition period.

5. In the interpretation and application of this Agreement, the United Kingdom's judicial and administrative authorities shall have due regard to relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union handed down after the end of the transition period.”

Not only is it probable that the EU will not agree our departure. If they did they would extract a considerable penalty from us, fishing rights etc. We will still be subject to the ECJ after we have left. This is not Brexit!

If this agreement is signed then it is clear the interest of the populous matters not one jot. It is indeed clear our MPs have a vested interest as they are not acting as our representatives.

Any attempt to run the referendum again allowing 2 options defined as discussed on questiontime is wrong. Should they do this, have these 2 options 1. May's deal 2. Remain this would be a complete travesty of our rights, defying our rich history. In my opinion this would be treachery and completely unacceptable.

We have to leave for all the reasons stated in previous posts. The EU has been strangled by the euro, its regulation and tariffs. Euro zone economic growth is poor, average 2% over 10 years. We've had 8.8%. The EU is heading deeper into recession, their looking to the US to help move them forward, at a time when the US is looking inward. Regulation continues to grow, most of which makes no sense but, burdens businesses. Only 10% of our GDP is from our exports to the EU.

Tariffs continue to grow, seemingly for no reason. Indeed you can not find any rationale as to why some tariffs are applied, for example "frozen prawns" 20% tariff, increased from 14%! What is the purpose? It appears that there is no rational reason for this tariff, let alone the increase.

Raoul Ruparel Head of Economics research, open group and adviser to the government stated in 2016 "Were the UK to strike a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU, pursues very ambitious deregulation of its economy and opens up almost fully to trade with the rest of the world, UK GDP would be 1.6% higher than if it had stayed within the EU". 



Leave we must. Our politicians have lied far to often and far to much about the negative affects on leaving the EU. The UK is now a euro sceptic country, that will not change anytime soon.

If you saw Barry Gardiner on questiontime you will see an example of how Blind arrogance attempts to overcome incompetence 

Written below is an exert from the withdrawal agreement, the language is flowery but its intent is quietly serious. Regardless of the backstop, the way we can or can not leave, that part is written such that it is the EU that has to agree that we exit, not us unilaterally. Which of course we all know they would never do as it would never be in their financial interest.  In fact if I were them, I would use it as a model for all states membership. Having 28 subservient states with no say would be perfect for the un-elected autocracy presiding in Brussels.

If you read the withdrawal agreement in particular article 4:

“ARTICLE 4

Methods and principles relating to the effect, 

the implementation and the application of this Agreement

1. The provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of Union law made applicable by this Agreement shall produce in respect of and in the United Kingdom the same legal effects as those which they produce within the Union and its Member States.

Accordingly, legal or natural persons shall in particular be able to rely directly on the provisions contained or referred to in this Agreement which meet the conditions for direct effect under Union law.

2. The United Kingdom shall ensure compliance with paragraph 1, including as regards the required powers of its judicial and administrative authorities to disapply inconsistent or incompatible domestic provisions, through domestic primary legislation.

3. The provisions of this Agreement referring to Union law or to concepts or provisions thereof shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with the methods and general principles of Union law.

4. The provisions of this Agreement referring to Union law or to concepts or provisions thereof shall in their implementation and application be interpreted in conformity with the relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union handed down before the end of the transition period.

5. In the interpretation and application of this Agreement, the United Kingdom's judicial and administrative authorities shall have due regard to relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union handed down after the end of the transition period.”

Not only is it probable that the EU will not agree our departure. If they did they would extract a considerable penalty from us, fishing rights etc. We will still be subject to the ECJ after we have left. This is not Brexit!

If this agreement is signed then it is clear the interest of the populous matters not one jot. It is indeed clear our MPs have a vested interest as they are not acting as our representatives.

Any attempt to run the referendum again allowing 2 options defined as discussed on questiontime is wrong. Should they do this, have these 2 options 1. May's deal 2. Remain this would be a complete travesty of our rights, defying our rich history. In my opinion this would be treachery and completely unacceptable.

We have to leave for all the reasons stated in previous posts. The EU has been strangled by the euro, its regulation and tariffs. Euro zone economic growth is poor, average 2% over 10 years. We've had 8.8%. The EU is heading deeper into recession, their looking to the US to help move them forward, at a time when the US is looking inward. Regulation continues to grow, most of which makes no sense but, burdens businesses. Only 10% of our GDP is from our exports to the EU.

Tariffs continue to grow, seemingly for no reason. Indeed you can not find any rationale as to why some tariffs are applied, for example "frozen prawns" 20% tariff, increased from 14%! What is the purpose? It appears that there is no rational reason for this tariff, let alone the increase.

Raoul Ruparel Head of Economics research, open group and adviser to the government stated in 2016 "Were the UK to strike a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU, pursues very ambitious deregulation of its economy and opens up almost fully to trade with the rest of the world, UK GDP would be 1.6% higher than if it had stayed within the EU". 



Leave we must. Our politicians have lied far to often and far to much about the negative affects on leaving the EU. The UK is now a euro sceptic country, that will not change anytime soon.

Brexit - Deselection - adaptation of a beautiful song

HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS FOR BREXIT

Goodbye to you my untrustworthy friends

We've known each other since I don't know when

Together we've climbed different hills and different trees

You've learned of love for the EUs failings

You've skinned our pockets and skinned our beliefs

Goodbye my friends it's not hard for you to leave

When all the time you’re in brexit denial

Now that spring is in the air

A pretty UK future can be seen everywhere

Think of us as we'll be there

We had no joy, we had no fun

We had seasons without the sun

But the hills that you climbed

Were just not from our time

Goodbye MPs please don't say a word

You and others are the black sheep of the family

You tried to teach us all the EU wrongs, claimed they were the only way

Too much of Junker’s wine and too much of Junker's song

Wonder how you ever got along

Goodbye Guys it's not hard to say

When all the birds are singing in the sky, you'll be gone

Now that the spring is in the air, coz you won't be their

Little children have a future everywhere

When you see them, we'll be there

We had no joy, we had no fun

We had seasons without the sun

But you had Junker’s wine and sang Junker's song

Like the seasons have all gone

We had no joy, we had no fun

We had seasons without the sun

But you had Junker’s wine and sang Junker's song

With you it was like the seasons have all gone

Goodbye MPs you are the devious ones

You gave us fear and hid the sun

And every time you put us down

You would always come around

And sweep our feet from on the ground

Goodbye Members you need to see,

All the birds are singing in the sky

Now that the spring is in the air

With the flowers everywhere

We're pleased you four won't be there!

Conservatives,  Labour, Amber Rudd,  Philip Hammond,  Dominic Grieve,  Labour Party,  Destruction Of Europe,  

Seasons in the sun a more perfect version on spotify today! 

HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS FOR BREXIT

Goodbye to you my untrustworthy friends

We've known each other since I don't know when

Together we've climbed different hills and different trees

You've learned of love for the EUs failings

You've skinned our pockets and skinned our beliefs

Goodbye my friends it's not hard for you to leave

When all the time you’re in brexit denial

Now that spring is in the air

A pretty UK future can be seen everywhere

Think of us as we'll be there

We had no joy, we had no fun

We had seasons without the sun

But the hills that you climbed

Were just not from our time

Goodbye MPs please don't say a word

You and others are the black sheep of the family

You tried to teach us all the EU wrongs, claimed they were the only way

Too much of Junker’s wine and too much of Junker's song

Wonder how you ever got along

Goodbye Guys it's not hard to say

When all the birds are singing in the sky, you'll be gone

Now that the spring is in the air, coz you won't be their

Little children have a future everywhere

When you see them, we'll be there

We had no joy, we had no fun

We had seasons without the sun

But you had Junker’s wine and sang Junker's song

Like the seasons have all gone

We had no joy, we had no fun

We had seasons without the sun

But you had Junker’s wine and sang Junker's song

With you it was like the seasons have all gone

Goodbye MPs you are the devious ones

You gave us fear and hid the sun

And every time you put us down

You would always come around

And sweep our feet from on the ground

Goodbye Members you need to see,

All the birds are singing in the sky

Now that the spring is in the air

With the flowers everywhere

We're pleased you four won't be there!

Conservatives,  Labour, Amber Rudd,  Philip Hammond,  Dominic Grieve,  Labour Party,  Destruction Of Europe,  

Seasons in the sun a more perfect version on spotify today! 

Brexit - Damned if I do and damned if I don't.

Jeremy Corbyn or indeed Theresa May for that matter they are not leaders, if they were their branches would not be swaying every which way. I believe, that we the electorate matter not one jot any more.

To delay is to prolong this confusion, this vacuum until such time that the remainers predictions arrive at our doorstep. Not because of Brexit because of prolonged dis-unity and the fog of chaos that has descended across the UK. Self sabotage is an award that belongs firmly with the UK parliamentary parties, for some considerable time it looked as though the Irish Taoiseach could have the award.

Surely any sane person would know you can't negotiate if the other party know where you'll stop. The EU have not had to play this well they just had to play to the divisions in the country's political parties. They did not even have to be concerned by the British people and their vote.  Just like they weren't with the Irish or the Danes.  Just like they care not one iota for the under 25s across the med.  And, just as long as their authoritarian projects protect their vested interests.

How could these two parties emerge at the same time? Both are rudderless, both are led by their tails and neither give a damn about the electorate.



This should have been done and dusted by now. Life would be normal we would have found our balance in the world. We would have escaped the clutches of the failing project, with all its favouritism, protectionism and elitism.

Ten percent of our exports go into Europe, and we think that should concern us enough that we allow the behaviours of chaos and confusion to jeopardize the other 90%. I think the SMEs are being to British and should be speaking out more to end this farce, the pantomime season is over.  This is not some allegory, shadow in a cave, this is real life. The harm the politicians are doing is real and its tangible.

The parties of our government behave in a way that is reminiscent of Prometheus verses Zeus, Prometheus gave fire to the people, Zeus wanted it for himself, or Robin Hood verses the Sheriff together with the Cardinals, wrecked havoc to protect their ill-gotten gains and to keep the people down-trodden. This is the 21C we don't do down-trodden and nor do we do subterfuge.  Play your games, snipe at each other but do it at your own expense. You're not disciples of Zeus and we will not drink from your cup!



A second referendum is just another way to delay, wreck the economy further. For what? If you must have something, have an election, give us at least a fighting chance to have representatives who hummmm represent us?!

Jeremy Corbyn or indeed Theresa May for that matter they are not leaders, if they were their branches would not be swaying every which way. I believe, that we the electorate matter not one jot any more.

To delay is to prolong this confusion, this vacuum until such time that the remainers predictions arrive at our doorstep. Not because of Brexit because of prolonged dis-unity and the fog of chaos that has descended across the UK. Self sabotage is an award that belongs firmly with the UK parliamentary parties, for some considerable time it looked as though the Irish Taoiseach could have the award.

Surely any sane person would know you can't negotiate if the other party know where you'll stop. The EU have not had to play this well they just had to play to the divisions in the country's political parties. They did not even have to be concerned by the British people and their vote.  Just like they weren't with the Irish or the Danes.  Just like they care not one iota for the under 25s across the med.  And, just as long as their authoritarian projects protect their vested interests.

How could these two parties emerge at the same time? Both are rudderless, both are led by their tails and neither give a damn about the electorate.



This should have been done and dusted by now. Life would be normal we would have found our balance in the world. We would have escaped the clutches of the failing project, with all its favouritism, protectionism and elitism.

Ten percent of our exports go into Europe, and we think that should concern us enough that we allow the behaviours of chaos and confusion to jeopardize the other 90%. I think the SMEs are being to British and should be speaking out more to end this farce, the pantomime season is over.  This is not some allegory, shadow in a cave, this is real life. The harm the politicians are doing is real and its tangible.

The parties of our government behave in a way that is reminiscent of Prometheus verses Zeus, Prometheus gave fire to the people, Zeus wanted it for himself, or Robin Hood verses the Sheriff together with the Cardinals, wrecked havoc to protect their ill-gotten gains and to keep the people down-trodden. This is the 21C we don't do down-trodden and nor do we do subterfuge.  Play your games, snipe at each other but do it at your own expense. You're not disciples of Zeus and we will not drink from your cup!



A second referendum is just another way to delay, wreck the economy further. For what? If you must have something, have an election, give us at least a fighting chance to have representatives who hummmm represent us?!

Brexit - Feb 25th Delay really Why? Blair's A Brexiteer

Several headlines captured me this morning. That's my morning as l’m slightly North of Australia.  The one that concerns me the most is of course the possibility of delaying Brexit. Another which is of significance was an article I read on Linkedin. The article referred to the businesses that are struggling due to uncertainty.  They just need that we get on with it and leave, if it's no deal they can plan accordingly.  As I've pointed out in previous papers that I've written, 90% of our manufactured goods go outside of the EU (88% directly out with a further 2% entering the EU and then leaving via Rotterdam), yet we have to apply EU regulation across the board.

The terms that we will trade on need to be clarified and planned accordingly.  The MPs that are frustrating this process are no friend of the British people and should be removed. We are now at a point where a further delay is unacceptable.  With an oncoming recession this could do irretrievable harm to corporate UK.  The EU has been a sick segment of the world for far too long. Their collective growth since 2008 have been poor to say the least, they, the Euro zone have averaged a little over 2% in 9 years. The UK 8.8%, the USA 14.4%. If you show Germany they are at 7.6%, France 4.6%, Greece minus 27%.



Our exports to the EU have underperformed the exports from WTO countries. Businesses need clarity. Are we in are we out? To delay just drops a fog over the British Isles and the United Kingdom.  Soon the remainers will have their way and be able to prove Brexit will have damaged the economy. Yet it's not Brexit that will damage it, it is they! We are where the remainers want us to be! We should have no patience with this.

I also read an article in the Daily Telegraph written by Boris. He refers to the labels that are applied to us Brexiteers. Zealots, Xenophobic, Racist and so on.  That somehow unless you're right wing with fascists tendencies you would want to remain in the EU. Boris makes an excellent point that Tony Blair was a fervent Brexiteer (Although my gut tells me that was him telling us what we wanted to hear in order that he gets his way winning the highest office in the land.  It is also not beyond the realm of being possible that he is angling for Junker's job, but of course we have to remain.  History will go full circle!). But, nonetheless Boris refers to many other lefties that have expressed dis-satisfaction with the EU.



I for one can not be labelled in such terms.  My business is in Asia, it focuses on Indonesia in particular. I stand ready to support Corporate UK to establish a presence in the soon to be 5th largest economy. Who, incidentally trades with the EU on WTO. My wife is a legal and financial expert, and she is Asian. My partners are Asian some are mixed and from many religious beliefs. To label Brexiteers this way is to do the UK an injustice, it is also an insult to our seafaring ancestry.

The facts are clear, regulation is absurd. Tariffs are ridiculous 50% on some dairy products, 30% on others reducing to 18% in some cases.  This is a tax on the people of the UK. It is a tax that benefits Europe and not us Brits!

Leave, and do it on March the 29th at 11pm. Take no nonsense from these vested self interested politician's. A delay is appalling behaviour.

Several headlines captured me this morning. That's my morning as l’m slightly North of Australia.  The one that concerns me the most is of course the possibility of delaying Brexit. Another which is of significance was an article I read on Linkedin. The article referred to the businesses that are struggling due to uncertainty.  They just need that we get on with it and leave, if it's no deal they can plan accordingly.  As I've pointed out in previous papers that I've written, 90% of our manufactured goods go outside of the EU (88% directly out with a further 2% entering the EU and then leaving via Rotterdam), yet we have to apply EU regulation across the board.

The terms that we will trade on need to be clarified and planned accordingly.  The MPs that are frustrating this process are no friend of the British people and should be removed. We are now at a point where a further delay is unacceptable.  With an oncoming recession this could do irretrievable harm to corporate UK.  The EU has been a sick segment of the world for far too long. Their collective growth since 2008 have been poor to say the least, they, the Euro zone have averaged a little over 2% in 9 years. The UK 8.8%, the USA 14.4%. If you show Germany they are at 7.6%, France 4.6%, Greece minus 27%.



Our exports to the EU have underperformed the exports from WTO countries. Businesses need clarity. Are we in are we out? To delay just drops a fog over the British Isles and the United Kingdom.  Soon the remainers will have their way and be able to prove Brexit will have damaged the economy. Yet it's not Brexit that will damage it, it is they! We are where the remainers want us to be! We should have no patience with this.

I also read an article in the Daily Telegraph written by Boris. He refers to the labels that are applied to us Brexiteers. Zealots, Xenophobic, Racist and so on.  That somehow unless you're right wing with fascists tendencies you would want to remain in the EU. Boris makes an excellent point that Tony Blair was a fervent Brexiteer (Although my gut tells me that was him telling us what we wanted to hear in order that he gets his way winning the highest office in the land.  It is also not beyond the realm of being possible that he is angling for Junker's job, but of course we have to remain.  History will go full circle!). But, nonetheless Boris refers to many other lefties that have expressed dis-satisfaction with the EU.



I for one can not be labelled in such terms.  My business is in Asia, it focuses on Indonesia in particular. I stand ready to support Corporate UK to establish a presence in the soon to be 5th largest economy. Who, incidentally trades with the EU on WTO. My wife is a legal and financial expert, and she is Asian. My partners are Asian some are mixed and from many religious beliefs. To label Brexiteers this way is to do the UK an injustice, it is also an insult to our seafaring ancestry.

The facts are clear, regulation is absurd. Tariffs are ridiculous 50% on some dairy products, 30% on others reducing to 18% in some cases.  This is a tax on the people of the UK. It is a tax that benefits Europe and not us Brits!

Leave, and do it on March the 29th at 11pm. Take no nonsense from these vested self interested politician's. A delay is appalling behaviour.

Indonesia Launches its first MRT

It's finally arrived; Jakarta has commissioned its first Mass Transport system, the first such system in Indonesia. A project fraught with difficulty, taking longer than expected with development stopping frequently.

The system has been on trial since December, testing all supporting systems, electronic gates as well as the reactions of emergency services should the need arise.  Services will operate from March 12th, 2019.

In the past week the proud authorities invited government officials, ambassadors and journalists to trial the first MRT in Indonesia.

The final touches are taking place. They're busy touching up the paint, polishing fittings on the MRT stations' interior and walkways.

If the public trial run goes off without a hitch, the country's first MRT will start commercial operation by the end of next month.

The route initially will operate from Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta, a distance of 15.7KM. There are 13 stops, journey should take approx. 30 minutes. This will halve the time of a normal commute. For a city with more than 25M people this is significant.

Capacity

A single MRT train comprises six carriages which can carry up to 1,950 passengers. By 2024, the MRT is expected tocarry up to 430,000 passengers a day.

EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guérend has sung his praises for the Jakarta MRT, saying he loved the modern look and its well-thought-out amenities.

When he went on his trial run last week, the ambassador remarked the Jakarta MRT even appeared more modern than some old subway trains in European countries.

EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guérend, right, speaks with Ghamal Peris, MRT Jakarta's business development director, during a trial run of the MRT on Feb. 12. (Antara Photo/Rivan Awal Lingga).

Naming Rights.

MRT Jakarta is selling naming rights for eight stations on the Lebak Bulus-Bundaran Hotel Indonesia line, which allow a company to attach its brand name to a station for 10 years.

Naming rights for three stations have already been bought by state-controlled lender Bank Negara Indonesia for the Dukuh Atas-BNI Station; another state-owned lender Bank Mandiri for the Istora-Mandiri Station; and Astra International for the Setiabudi-Astra Station.

The naming rights for five more stations—Bendungan Hilir, Blok M, Senayan, Lebak Bulus and Sisingamangaraja—are still up for auction.

Investments

The Lebak Bulus-Bundaran Hotel Indonesia line makes up Phase 1 of the Jakarta MRT network which will eventually cover a total distance of 110 kilometers, linking the sprawling city's north, south, east and west.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loaned Rp 16 trillion to the Jakarta administration for the Phase 1 construction.

Suppliers & Contractors

• The MRT trains are produced by Japanese rail car manufacturer Nippon Sharyo, a subsidiary of Central Japan Railway Company.

• Jakarta MRT bought 16 of their made-in-Japan trains for Rp 1.6 trillion. All of them arrived in Jakarta last year.

• A consortium of Japanese constructor Shimitsu Kobayashi, state-owned builder Wijaya Karya and Jaya Konstruksi worked on two sections of the underground track.

• Another consortium of Sumitomo Mitsui and Hutama Karya worked on the remaining underground track.

• Japanese railway company Tokyu and state-owned constructor Wijaya Arya built two sections of the elevated track.

• Japanese firms Obayashi and Shimizu formed a joint venture with local firm Jaya Konstruksi to build the remaining elevated track.

Future Lines

On Oct. 23 last year, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) agreed to loan Rp 9.4 trillion to the Jakarta Provincial Government for Phase 2 of the MRT project to build a line from Sarinah to Kota.

This is the first of two instalments which will be used to fund the first stage of construction in Phase 2.

• Phase 2: Sarinah to Kota, track length: 7.8 kilometers, 7 underground stations: Sarinah, Monas, Harmoni, Sawah Besar, Mangga Besar, Glodok, Kota. Phase 2 construction is set to begin in March 2019.

• Phase 3: Cikarang to Jakarta, track length: 87 kilometers, this line will run from east to west, connecting Cikarang and Balaraja with Jakarta. Phase 3 construction is planned to begin in 2020.

It's finally arrived; Jakarta has commissioned its first Mass Transport system, the first such system in Indonesia. A project fraught with difficulty, taking longer than expected with development stopping frequently.

The system has been on trial since December, testing all supporting systems, electronic gates as well as the reactions of emergency services should the need arise.  Services will operate from March 12th, 2019.

In the past week the proud authorities invited government officials, ambassadors and journalists to trial the first MRT in Indonesia.

The final touches are taking place. They're busy touching up the paint, polishing fittings on the MRT stations' interior and walkways.

If the public trial run goes off without a hitch, the country's first MRT will start commercial operation by the end of next month.

The route initially will operate from Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta, a distance of 15.7KM. There are 13 stops, journey should take approx. 30 minutes. This will halve the time of a normal commute. For a city with more than 25M people this is significant.

Capacity

A single MRT train comprises six carriages which can carry up to 1,950 passengers. By 2024, the MRT is expected tocarry up to 430,000 passengers a day.

EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guérend has sung his praises for the Jakarta MRT, saying he loved the modern look and its well-thought-out amenities.

When he went on his trial run last week, the ambassador remarked the Jakarta MRT even appeared more modern than some old subway trains in European countries.

EU Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Guérend, right, speaks with Ghamal Peris, MRT Jakarta's business development director, during a trial run of the MRT on Feb. 12. (Antara Photo/Rivan Awal Lingga).

Naming Rights.

MRT Jakarta is selling naming rights for eight stations on the Lebak Bulus-Bundaran Hotel Indonesia line, which allow a company to attach its brand name to a station for 10 years.

Naming rights for three stations have already been bought by state-controlled lender Bank Negara Indonesia for the Dukuh Atas-BNI Station; another state-owned lender Bank Mandiri for the Istora-Mandiri Station; and Astra International for the Setiabudi-Astra Station.

The naming rights for five more stations—Bendungan Hilir, Blok M, Senayan, Lebak Bulus and Sisingamangaraja—are still up for auction.

Investments

The Lebak Bulus-Bundaran Hotel Indonesia line makes up Phase 1 of the Jakarta MRT network which will eventually cover a total distance of 110 kilometers, linking the sprawling city's north, south, east and west.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loaned Rp 16 trillion to the Jakarta administration for the Phase 1 construction.

Suppliers & Contractors

• The MRT trains are produced by Japanese rail car manufacturer Nippon Sharyo, a subsidiary of Central Japan Railway Company.

• Jakarta MRT bought 16 of their made-in-Japan trains for Rp 1.6 trillion. All of them arrived in Jakarta last year.

• A consortium of Japanese constructor Shimitsu Kobayashi, state-owned builder Wijaya Karya and Jaya Konstruksi worked on two sections of the underground track.

• Another consortium of Sumitomo Mitsui and Hutama Karya worked on the remaining underground track.

• Japanese railway company Tokyu and state-owned constructor Wijaya Arya built two sections of the elevated track.

• Japanese firms Obayashi and Shimizu formed a joint venture with local firm Jaya Konstruksi to build the remaining elevated track.

Future Lines

On Oct. 23 last year, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) agreed to loan Rp 9.4 trillion to the Jakarta Provincial Government for Phase 2 of the MRT project to build a line from Sarinah to Kota.

This is the first of two instalments which will be used to fund the first stage of construction in Phase 2.

• Phase 2: Sarinah to Kota, track length: 7.8 kilometers, 7 underground stations: Sarinah, Monas, Harmoni, Sawah Besar, Mangga Besar, Glodok, Kota. Phase 2 construction is set to begin in March 2019.

• Phase 3: Cikarang to Jakarta, track length: 87 kilometers, this line will run from east to west, connecting Cikarang and Balaraja with Jakarta. Phase 3 construction is planned to begin in 2020.

Brexit - Three Amigos or mangos - Assassins they're not!

Well! Today was my blogging day off! But, I've made a special effort here to publish the lyrics below.  Not all my work only adaptations to a 2001 song.

So gaze upon the faces of the smiling assassins.

They pack a grin like a 44.

But Guy's! don't be surprised to find you're now alone.

After all, you are each your own true love.

It was a cold February morning, you three amigos shot your Party down.

As you swagger off, look back to our rising sun.

This is your sunset! This fame will not come again.

I can assure you, no voter is laughing with you now.

Yeah, Anna Sourby you gave and you gave 'til you were blue in the face.

Dr Sarah Wollaston, But you never did as you swore, up hold the party’s manifesto law.

Heidi Allen, Once, on voting day you were the women of the hour.

But now you're a trio all alone, come election the sorrow will show.

The train home is running on the hour.

But no one will be waiting for you there.

Kick your heels up and down the platform.

You’ll know what you missed out as you arrive there.

Heidi Allen. You vow to destroy the home you once enjoyed.

you’re just a team of three, you care of no one who you should of pleased.

Your words are vicious your actions foolish, trust you'll never have.

No one need shoot you down the harm you've done is to yourselves.

And I can't understand in the name of Jesus.

Where exactly is this heaven you speak of?

Suddenly you are the chosen few?

And the rest of us should burn in Donald Tusk's Hell?

The train home is running on the hour.

But no one will be waiting for you there.

Kick your heels up and down the platform.

You’ll know what you missed out on.

You’re not revolutionary heroes, worthy of no accolades. 

The agenda is only yours! 

You'll soon be forgotten, a footnote in history.

No funding will come from 1MDB. 

The film of the wolves of the Commons has no support. Not even for a DVD.

Yeah Anna Sourby, you gave and you gave until you were blue in the face.

Dr Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen once you were the women of the hour.

But now you're alone, feel sorry for yourselves.

Anna sourby, sarah wollaston, heidi allen, brexit, independent party, Donald Tusk EU

Well! Today was my blogging day off! But, I've made a special effort here to publish the lyrics below.  Not all my work only adaptations to a 2001 song.

So gaze upon the faces of the smiling assassins.

They pack a grin like a 44.

But Guy's! don't be surprised to find you're now alone.

After all, you are each your own true love.

It was a cold February morning, you three amigos shot your Party down.

As you swagger off, look back to our rising sun.

This is your sunset! This fame will not come again.

I can assure you, no voter is laughing with you now.

Yeah, Anna Sourby you gave and you gave 'til you were blue in the face.

Dr Sarah Wollaston, But you never did as you swore, up hold the party’s manifesto law.

Heidi Allen, Once, on voting day you were the women of the hour.

But now you're a trio all alone, come election the sorrow will show.

The train home is running on the hour.

But no one will be waiting for you there.

Kick your heels up and down the platform.

You’ll know what you missed out as you arrive there.

Heidi Allen. You vow to destroy the home you once enjoyed.

you’re just a team of three, you care of no one who you should of pleased.

Your words are vicious your actions foolish, trust you'll never have.

No one need shoot you down the harm you've done is to yourselves.

And I can't understand in the name of Jesus.

Where exactly is this heaven you speak of?

Suddenly you are the chosen few?

And the rest of us should burn in Donald Tusk's Hell?

The train home is running on the hour.

But no one will be waiting for you there.

Kick your heels up and down the platform.

You’ll know what you missed out on.

You’re not revolutionary heroes, worthy of no accolades. 

The agenda is only yours! 

You'll soon be forgotten, a footnote in history.

No funding will come from 1MDB. 

The film of the wolves of the Commons has no support. Not even for a DVD.

Yeah Anna Sourby, you gave and you gave until you were blue in the face.

Dr Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen once you were the women of the hour.

But now you're alone, feel sorry for yourselves.

Anna sourby, sarah wollaston, heidi allen, brexit, independent party, Donald Tusk EU

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: