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Any attempt to harm the UK economically will, inevitably, also harm the EU as a consequence. The UK has a massive trade deficit with the EU due to its love of B
by Boothroid 9y ago
Any attempt to harm the UK economically will, inevitably, also harm the EU as a consequence. The UK has a massive trade deficit with the EU due to its love of BMWs, prosecco, etc. etc. Who is going to pick up the slack for this lost trade? The reality of the consequences of disrupting this trade does seem to be starting to dawn on other key figures i.e. the EU trade commissioner.
And if we are going to talk denial, I think you could also reasonably argue that Brussels and northern EU members have demonstrated a considerable degree of denial or worse, open contempt about the plight of the southern EU members due to the imbalances brought about by the Euro. You might also say their refusal to countenance the possibility that the UK could vote to leave the EU was verging on denial. And finally regarding Merkel's comments, perhaps worth remembering how well it ended for Germany last time they threatened Britain..
- Oletros 9y agoBut the UK can't have the cake and eat it. They want all the benefits Norway or Switzerland have without the duties those countries have
- Boothroid 9y agoWell, nor can the EU have its cake and eat it - if a workable trade agreement cannot be reached post-Brexit, both sides suffer. I hope that commerce can be put above ideology here. I'd be interested to know how those in the EU whose livelihoods depend on trade with the UK would view it - I suspect they wouldn't care greatly about a little compromise if it meant keeping their jobs. What are the supposed amazing benefits of the EU versus having work?
- Oletros 9y agoWhy should commerce be above free movement of people or other things? > 'd be interested to know how those in the EU whose livelihoods depend on trade with the UK would view it Yes, because nobody in the UK would lose the jobs and people won't suffer with higher prices. Yes, the title is apt
- Boothroid 9y agoAt the end of the day, the high-minded principles of free movement etc. matter less than having food on your plate. That's what I'm arguing. Fact is that the EU and specifically the Euro have had negative impacts for millions across the EU. Why is it that the majority of service jobs in the UK seem to be filled by Poles, Spanish, Italians, etc.? I've no problem with this btw, I'm just pointing out that it's telling that the Eurosceptic UK is still a better option than the home country for millions of EU citizens. And I'm not saying that the UK won't suffer - the point is that everyone will suffer.
- tzs 9y agoMaybe Mexico and Canada could pick up some of that slack? I was just reading an article somewhere, for example, about how Mexico has increased powdered milk imports from the EU by over 100% over the last couple of months, in order to reduce dependency on the US. The US currently export $231x10^9 worth of goods to Mexico per year, and $267x10^9 to Canada. That's a lot of potential importers in Mexico and Canada who might be nervous over trade relations with the US and open to some new sources.
- zzalpha 9y agoperhaps worth remembering how well it ended for Germany last time they threatened Britain.. Well, it's sure nice to see how the discussion, here on HN, remains level-headed and on an even keel...
- Boothroid 9y agoThe UK stood alone against the Nazis in 1939. It's a shame how short memories are.
- BrandoElFollito 9y agoYou may have just forgotten Poland...