Re: Brexit discussion
 

For those of you who thought voting "remain" was for the status quo, here's Juncker's latest booze fuelled vision:

Source

Re: Brexit discussion
 

It was for the status quo, at least in the short term. The above we either had opt-outs on, a veto, or would've triggered a referendum here if they were enacted. Every EU member state has committed to joining the Euro besides those with opt-outs, and those can't be circumvented. Schengen much the same.

Without our influence, votes and veto the EU can take a different path if it so chooses.

It's worth remembering that, contrary to the opinions of some, Juncker can say whatever he pleases as far as his vision of the EU goes but he doesn't have the power to implement it. He doesn't get to decide what actually happens, that's down to the Council of Ministers, the elected heads of state of each member state, and the EU Parliament.

It's fair to say, though, that Juncker's comments don't set out whatever the future of the UK within the EU would've been.

EDIT: If I remember at some point I'll find an article that focuses on what he said and its ramifications seriously. The article linked made me feel dumber having read it.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

People like Clegg and Blair will say and promise anything in order to get their way - that's the sort of democracy they believe in. I really can't understand how anyone can deny where the EU is heading, but of course these people are only concerned with making it a 'fait accompli'. They'll lie and spin until they get their way and then it'll be too late for us to do anything about it. How much more evidence do people need to accept that this is their agenda? There's no evidence at all that they've actually learned anything from what's happened in the EU, the only answer they have to anything is 'more of the same'. If anyone wanted a perfect example of unerring political dogma and intransigence I'd say the EU is it.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

Meanwhile, back in the real world, away from 'hatred' of individuals, John Lewis profits have fallen 50% and are blaming the uncertainty caused by Brexit. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41264277

Re: Brexit discussion
 

No doubt other companies in the coming months will be reporting reduced profits as well with the impact of the weaker pound . higher inflation and political uncertainty.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

Yeah indeed. It was inevitable.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

This is a bit concerning too.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...-a7945956.html
We keep threatening to walk away if we don't get what we want like a spoilt child. But it turns out we don't have a plan if there's no deal ! Bit of an empty threat ! Bit like when the Govt. had no plan if we voted for Brexit. :rolleyes:
Our negotiators - headless chickens, running about, giving interviews about how brilliantly everything is going and achieving nothing..... Meanwhile the EU carries on as usual, economies growing, while time runs out for us.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

Although I studied economics at school I am far removed from being an economist. Statistics can be used to "prove" any POV without context. Once context is entered into the equation conclusions and forecasts tend to change.

Remainers keep harping on about the service industry and how vital it is to the UK economy. I do not deny there's money to be made there but now let's put it into context.

Goods and services exports to the EU only account to 12-15% of the UK's export market. Even that figure is skewed by any exports via ports such as Rotterdam which then become part of EU export figures not the UK's.

As to any tariffs the EU imposes if we go WTO agreements I would do nothing in response.

There is a fallacy that tariffs cost businesses billions, they don't. There is only one person who pays the tariff and that is the end consumer.

If the goods and services that this country exports are superior to any other product then the end user will pay for them, this will push innovation and development in this country to be better than anyone else.

As regards a "tit for tat" response to tariffs and the need to do nothing, this can only lead to reduced prices for the consumer.

See, I can put forward a reasoned contribution to a debate.:D

Before I forget, the LINK where I got the total export figures from.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

I'd have another look at those figures. They account for 12-15% of the UK economy, not UK exports. The first line of the article you linked indicates 44% of exports, with the 'Rotterdam effect' accounting for about 2% of that 44%.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

I may be missing something but any fall in profits (c. £30m) due to Brexit/Sterling suffered by John Lewis is dwarfed by the £56m restructuring charge isn't it. What's the actual cost to JLP of the fall in Sterling since the Brexit vote? Unless we know that figure we can't judge what negative effect there's actually been.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

you said 'most'...

Re: Brexit discussion
 

I'm sure none of us have lived our lives entirely 'lie' free. Some are just a lot more practiced at it than others. ;)

Re: Brexit discussion
 

My bad and I grant you that correction, so that means the total effect to UK economy if we left with no trade agreement would be a maximum of 12-15%.

However, WTO rules would kick in and would to some extent reduce that figure as would trade under WTO with the rest of the world until trade agreements were finalised. This (potentially) could mean a boom in the UK economy.

Not so much of the "Doom and Gloom" scenario now is there?

Is there nothing else in my post you disagree with?

Re: Brexit discussion
 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41265718

Brexit uncertainty is hitting all sorts of things here and in the EU, you wouldn't think that latter though. We rarely hear about the worries of or the effects on EU businesses but I don't see that changing. Brexit uncertainty won't last forever however. When the deal is done in whatever form it takes, there'll be no more. At that point we'll start hearing more about EU uncertainty and all the huge problems they're going to be grappling with whilst we get on with dealing with all the realities of an uncertain world.

Re: Brexit discussion
 

At this point I think it goes without saying that no agreement will be made in time with regards to a Brexit deal.