If you think about it, the two most controversial and painful aspects of the Brexit negotiations, up to now, both concern the notion of national borders, and who can or cannot cross them. Now, we have the whole of Northern Ireland, not knowing whether it will end up with a hard border, and where the […]
EU
Brexit Musings (16) – Home-Made Customs Pie
When Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, starts talking about wanting to remain in a modified customs union, and big industry starts applauding him for such nonsense, you can be pretty sure that the UK is in trouble – big time. On this side of the North Sea, we must feel compassionate, and not mock the afflicted. […]
British In Europe: Double-Dutch In Amsterdam’s District Court
Earlier this month, a group of British expats living in the Netherlands, succeeded in their attempt to refer the question of their EU citizens’ rights, to the European Court Of Justice (ECJ). In what appears to be a surprising and disappointing development, the Dutch state has succeeded in launching an appeal against the ruling. The […]
The EU’s Problem Is Not Brexit, It’s Eastern Europe
Jean Monnet, one of the fathers of the Union, had a vision of a unified Europe, probably a federal one. For Monnet, Europe was an ongoing process, a “work in progress”, aiming to create the best possible future for our children and grand-children. We must be honest, and admit that certain member states are not economically […]
Brexit Musings (15) – Waking-Up To BuzzFeed
Brexit guru, David Davis, was having a dream. The UK had become prosperous again, and the world’s 3rd largest economy. Stoke-on-Trent was rapidly becoming Europe’s cultural hotspot, and Liverpool, Europe’s largest seaport. Britain was still linked to Europe, although the Channel Tunnel had been sealed off and filled with sea water, as a precautionary measure. Britain’s […]
David Cameron Has Disrespected The Young
David Cameron’s latest inept remarks about the seriousness of Brexit, remind me of a schoolboy’s minimization of the importance of the bad mark he just obtained in history, thinking that the subject is not important. A former UK prime minister, and founder of the “Brexit generation”, Cameron described the Brexit vote as, “a mistake”, and not, […]
Brexit Musings (14): Emmanuel Macron – Jupiter Or Icarus?
He’s quite articulate, isn’t he? – Andrew Marr French president, Emmanuel Macron’s television interview, broadcast on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, was nothing short of impressive. Macron showed a degree of confidence and self-belief, that were quite bewildering – especially if you consider that he was speaking to Andrew Marr, in English. From a linguistic […]
British Citizens Fight For EU Rights In The Netherlands
A group of British citizens, living in the Netherlands, has launched a court case, in an attempt to preserve their rights as EU citizens, post-Brexit. They feel that some of these rights will be lost, after Brexit, and hope that their case will be heard by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Don’t get me wrong. I […]
Brexit Musings (13) – Don’t Panic, Mr Farage, The UK Is Leaving
The Leave side is in danger of not even making the argument. – Nigel Farage Nigel Farage is in a state of panic – big time. You know the feeling, I’m sure. You just know that something is going to go incredibly wrong in your life. Remember that summer, when you were having a romantic time […]
Play It Again, Nigel – The UK’s Second Referendum?
Nigel Farage, former Ukip leader and Brexitmania guru, seems very confident that a second referendum would lead to a massive vote in favour of the UK leaving the EU. I think if we had a second referendum on EU membership we’d kill it off for a generation. The percentage that would vote to leave next time […]