I think what gp is trying to say, is that the EU does not have to make it painful for UK: it already is, de facto. Sure, it's better if the process is painful,

I think what gp is trying to say, is that the EU does not have to make it painful for UK: it already is, de facto. Sure, it's better if the process is painful, to make probable exiters think again, but in this case it's not EU's doing: it's 100% self-inflicted. I do hope for the British' sake that they get a deal soon.