Punishment or Pragmatism? If Poland left the EU it would be absolutely vital for it to maintain its existing trade relations. The UK is not in the same negotiating position, not only because of the large quantities of German cars and French wine it imports but because its global reach and reputation is far greater … More Shorties-13
English laws and courts are used the world over when parties want impartiality, efficiency and knowledgeable judges. The supremacy of EU law does nothing to enhance this. Like most Leavers we want to ‘take back control’ of our money and borders but we also want to live under our own laws. While Britain remains in … More The World’s Favourite Law
Philip Hammond Spreadsheet Phil has been in Berlin, attempting to persuade Germany to offer fair terms to The City following Brexit. He has given an interview with the newspaper Welt am Sonntag in which he told European leaders that rather than being afraid that a good deal for Britain would encourage others to leave the … More People and Brexit
It seems the UK Government has been doing a little thinking about Brexit after all. Apparently it wants to persuade the EU to consider three ‘baskets’ of goods and services in any deal. The first basket would consist of sectors where the UK stays close to the EU; it would include chemicals and medicines regulations … More Basket Cases
“Brexit – what we know now” is the title of a document published recently by Tony Blair in which he argues for a second referendum on leaving or remaining in the European Union. It is another ‘Dodgy Dossier’, sexed-up with mendacious statements. He argues that as we come to know what Brexit represents it is … More A Second Brexit Referendum?
In a recent article Nick Hubble, of investment company Southbank Investment Research, draws an interesting analogy between climate change and Brexit anxiety: “According to The Sun, experts are concerned chocolate will run out in the next 30 years. Climate change will make it too hot to grow cocoa beans.” Global warming will result in arid … More Brexit and Climate Change
The UK has some strategic advantages that do not depend on EU membership, they are the basis of a potentially vibrant, independent future. In December 2017 we reached “The end of the beginning”, or at least we were granted gracious permission by EU leaders to talk to them about things other than money, borders and … More The Future’s Bright, The Future’s Oranges
As the year 2018 begins we realise we have written more than 150 posts – some cover the fine detail, others the broad issues. We wish we could encapsulate the debate as it stands today but it is too complex for a single post. Here we start the year with a high level summary of … More The Brexit Debate
The EU was designed in a different age for different circumstances. Even then it had major design flaws and it has failed to adapt to meet today’s challenges. It is especially unsuitable for the UK which has a history and traditions distinct from most of its neighbours. Although conceived with noble intentions, to make inter-state … More Annual Review 2017
Four short, independent pieces on: implications of the EU’s dispute with Poland; zombie companies and the European Central Bank; the hypocrisy of Michel Barnier; integration and compromise. What’s it worth to be rid of Poland? The EU is in serious dispute with Poland; but suppose the Polish decided to leave, how much would the EU … More Can EU Trust Them?
This EU Won't Work 