This is an addition to The Brexicon, first published in July 2018. (See the Summary and Parts 1 & 3, linked below.) As in the other Parts, we list some of the deliberately misleading terms used in the Brexit debate. Our definitions may be satirical but the explanations justify our criticisms. Brexit Means Brexit – … More The Brexit Lexicon (Part 2 – March 2019)
Chris Leslie says voters in his constituency voted for him rather than the party he represented on the ballot paper – Chris who? Chris Leslie, a founding member of The Independent Group of MPs who oppose Brexit (TIG), stated that he was elected by his constituents to represent them in Parliament. It was his name … More Unrepresentative Members
The European Central Bank’s ‘targeted longer-term refinancing operations’ often fail to give help where it is intended and most needed. No, not ‘Total Rugby’ (a forum for debating Ruby League). As we write this Italy is about to face England in a 2019 Rugby Six Nations match; England is famous this season for its mostly-successful … More TLTRO Rugby
Three short, independent pieces on the EU and Brexit. 1. We Wanna Be Together From the start the EU’s principal strategy for ensuring peace in Europe has been to unite all its people into one nation, whether they like it or not. This assumes they would then begin to understand each other, mix together, share … More EU is in the Altogether
Whether intended or not, the ECB’s response to the financial crisis protects the rich countries from the diseases of the poor. Also, the £350 million that Vote Leave claimed was the cost to Britain of EU membership wasn’t too far out. Funny Money There’s plenty of funny money in ‘wealthy’ Germany … More Money, Money, Money
As in many other technical subjects, the Brexit debate uses common words but with specialist meanings and this can be confusing for non-specialists; there are three parts plus a summary. This is the first edition of The Brexicon, published in July 2018 and lightly edited here. (See the Summary and Brexicon Parts 2 & 3, … More The Brexit Lexicon (Part 1 – July 2018)
In July last year we published the first part of ‘The Brexicon’ in which we explained some of the jargon encountered in the Brexit debate (see Brexicon Part 1). Many of the words used don’t seem to have the same meaning as they do in normal use, in fact they often have the opposite meaning, … More The Brexit Lexicon (Summary)
There’s still a chance that the PM’s deal on the withdrawal agreement (WA) could get accepted by Parliament if she can agree a small tweak to the Irish ‘Backstop’. This would be a serious mistake. One of the Daily Telegraph‘s most perceptive commentators, Juliet Samuel, believes it’s good to go as it is, so it’s … More “Do not go gentle…”
The border in Ireland should not be used as leverage in the Brexit negotiations, that could kill people. Gaelic Football Because of the devious negotiating tactics of the EU and the gullibility (or duplicity?) of our Prime Minister no discussion of a future FTA has taken place. At least two years wasted; it could be … More Bloody-Border Line
In this post we review some of the declared goals and values of the EU, including a link to the main statement of these and links to many of our related posts. Remainers, like Leavers, presumably come on a spectrum; let’s say from soft to hard. The EU offers a list of its goals and … More Only Believe (if only)
This EU Won't Work 