The Mansion House speech, delivered by Theresa May, clearly attempted to define what the UK wants out of Brexit. What it did not do, is deliver concrete solutions. If the EU is to abide by its principles, and not sell its soul to a potential bidder, Theresa May should have very little, if anything, to […]
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The Irish, The Brits, And The EU: Bordering On Insanity
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The British Passport – A Rhapsody In Blue
April 2019 – The first UK passports without the wording “European Union” have appeared. They are made in the EU, and still burgundy red before turning blue in the autumn. The UK is still in the EU, of course, before being kicked out in the following summer! (original post 30/12/17) (edited 2025) If you […]