1) I didn't suggest the UK would form some kind of 'Union' - that's just your defensive posturing. I suggested 'economic ties' - which are being developed with

1) I didn't suggest the UK would form some kind of 'Union' - that's just your defensive posturing. I suggested 'economic ties' - which are being developed with those actors. 2) There is no benefit to EU political union and it is structurally impossible - unless - the states truly want to give up with everything sovereign and surrender to Germany which controls the Euro (to their benefit) and has just enough disproportionate influence to have 'the last word' on everything. The 'EEC' is a success - the 'EU' is not. There probably is a 'better way forward', something between Nation Sate and Federalization, but there's too much contention to talk about it - and frankly 85% of the benefits could be achieved with a comprehensive trade agreement.