Is the collapse of the EU now the best bet for the UK

Herzlos

The best outcome is that if the EU breaks up and we get back in on the ground with whatever replacement organization is formed. Otherwise we're pretty badly shafted.

DRFC1879

The overbearing theme of EU economic policy (at least pre-crash before the bullying of Greece) was a system of enabling all ships to rise, bringing Spain, Italy et al up to a more level playing field so they could increase trade with the bloc.


If the whole thing comes tumbling down I would predict the medium-long term effect of UK, Germany & France becoming major powers to the detriment of the others. Ok for our economy in that regard but very, very bad for culture and harmony paving the way for even more right-wing extremism across the continent and even the potential for conflict after an unprecedented period of peace. Not scaremongering, just hypothesising.


EDIT: I clicked to vote that it will benefit the UK economy. But at what prce and is it worth it?

wotsthat

What a mental thread. Who wishes their biggest customers would go bust?

HornetSaver

Yes, it is. As a result of the Leave vote, the Benelux countries now have more influence over our economic future than they ever did (they can, and will, use their internal clout to make the case for putting EU stability ahead of pragmatic negotiation with Britain, an argument that Eastern Europe and France will find compelling).

Spain has more sway over the prospect of Scottish independence than the British government ever did (they can, and will, veto Scottish membership of the EU regardless of how enthusiastic the other 26 members might be).

mrginge

Mistermeaner wrote: »

impact on them of a brexit is less than the impact on us - they have the bargaining chips (which is why it was pretty f'ing stupid to leave)

Plus they have additional vested interest in making it painful for us so as to prevent others leaving (which is another reason it was f'ing stupid to vote leave and then negotiate from outside rather than drive change from within)

as another poster recently said

idiots

Do you not believe in political compromise so that parties can achieve a mutually beneficial position?

mrginge

wotsthat wrote: »

What a mental thread. Who wishes their biggest customers would go bust?

The EU do apparently. According to some rampant remainers....

Crashy_Time

Mistermeaner wrote: »

you get rich by helpingh your neighbours be rich as they buy stuff from you. a collapse of the EZ would impact the EU economies and therefore our own

Like the Germans did? The only way some of the EZ economies are going to grow is by leaving and going back to old currency.

[Deleted User]

mrginge wrote: »

Do you not believe in political compromise so that parties can achieve a mutually beneficial position?

I do, that's why I voted remain.

Takedap

wotsthat wrote: »

What a mental thread. Who wishes their biggest customers would go bust?

I think it became (even more) clear after hearing the braying, taunting post vote speech that Farage & UKIP's ultimate aim was never to get the UK out of the EU.

It was always the try to break up the whole institution. And that makes him a very dangerous individual.

We've voted for his so-called independence, now can he please shut up & leave. He has no purpose left.

TrickyTree83

HornetSaver wrote: »

Yes, it is. As a result of the Leave vote, the Benelux countries now have more influence over our economic future than they ever did (they can, and will, use their internal clout to make the case for putting EU stability ahead of pragmatic negotiation with Britain, an argument that Eastern Europe and France will find compelling).

Spain has more sway over the prospect of Scottish independence than the British government ever did (they can, and will, veto Scottish membership of the EU regardless of how enthusiastic the other 26 members might be).

All of that there is a damning example of why the EU as a political project does not work.

What's bad for one country is automatically bad for all.

Netherlands trades heavily with the UK, as do France and Germany. All 3 are top 5 contributors to the EU budget - the majority of the rest are net beneficiaries. If countries like these wish to see a reasonable trade arrangement with the UK that is then voted down by net beneficiaries at the expense of the taxpayers in those 3 countries they will have an internal crisis on their hands.

By spiting the UK, they will also spite themselves and cause the whole thing to come crashing down. The Finnish said as much on TV last night. Stopping contagion would be showing they're willing to change and willing to work with countries like the UK and not have Bulgarian fridge magnet makers cause one country to veto the interests of the other 26 members. That situation cannot continue.