The General UK Politics (Past and Present) Discussion Thread

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  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    Higgins wrote:
    It sounds nice "They sell us more than what we sell them, so we have the stronger lever", matter of fact is, that the UK is much more depending on imports than we are depending on exports.

    Again, true.

    The imports will become more expensive and people will be forced to not buy them and possibly look at cheaper alternatives...that affects businesses in other countries and the EU loses an important market...tough times ahead all round...
    YNWA 97
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    So, you believe that the people will only buy japanese cars, cheap sparkling wine, cheap chinese production machines, automotive parts from chinese suppliers and so on?

    And not to even mention your horrible own beer! :D :D :D

    You'll still buy these from good ol EU maybe on a smaller scale but for a higher price ;)

    As said, the UK market is important for EU members, but the EU market is much more important to all of us - particularly for the producing industry!
    We'll make the right choice ;)
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    I bought a Japanese car last time - couldn't afford Audi's anymore :( plenty of others in the same boat...and it will only get worse according to you :v

    As prices get higher then demand will fall...demand falls and then prices fall, good old economics at work :D

    Bumpy times ahead for the UK and the EU - no hiding from that fact ;)
    YNWA 97
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    Then you are not an interesting customer for our car makers either. Doesn't then make a difference - duties yes or not :p

    As said, large parts of your supply depends on the EU which is worse than losing a single market. We'll find other takers for our great products ;)

    It'll be difficult to find supply in a similar quality and kind and large parts of your remaining industry relies on EU tools and machinery. Good luck for replacing those by other products {[]
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • JoshuaJoshua Posts: 1,138MI6 Agent
    This is diferent to what is talked about but I have to say the peoples of the UK were given to vote and they chosen to leave the EU. We must repect the votes. We may not like it but always we must fight to make sure that the votes of a free election is respected always. Many peoples in europe do not value that they can have a free vote and do not now what it is like not to be to vote freely. You are very lucky and you must remeber this. Peoples can opose votes by talking but they must never try to turn the voting because that makes it not corect. I think that France and Germany are to vote and that must be the same, the vote must be respected if you like this or not. In countries where you have no choice other than to vote how the dictator wants you to vote you will now what a gift it is to vote freely. The peoples wish is the most important so must defend this otherise you will have the dictatorships
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    That's exactly the point.

    The UK people voted to leave the EU (they where mislead by lies and false promises - but anyhow).
    But instead of leaving consequently, their leaders are trying to minimize the consequences by trying to blackmail the EU to get back half way into it -without paying the membership fee and obeying to the rules.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I was a leave voter and I want out now ! ... No confusion, :)
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Bond44Bond44 Vauxhall CrossPosts: 1,581MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    I think you have to take a pragmatic view on UK leaving the EU. Reality is a politician (Cameron) on the back of an election promise (maybe buoyed by the Scottish Referendum result) took the country to a vote (probably the biggest in its recent history) and lost (what a way to be remembered in the annuals of time). Out of a population of 60m+ just over 35M voted and the win was with a 1.7m majority so it was hardly a land slide victory. The UK much as the US (EU countries take note) is relatively split in its political opinion right now and that could and probably will spread globally. Any country with a democracy in the EU or elsewhere has the potential for this to occur and others may follow.

    The EU Parliament an un elected (by the populous) Parliament has or had the ability to remove some of the pressure, by appreciating there was dis content within the EU population (not just the UK) to listen and change, it chose not too (power corrupts and ultimate power ultimately corrupts). At some point the general population of the countries within would react and in the UK they did - the end result is what we have today - BREXIT. In the UK (and elsewhere) the rights and wrongs of this will be debated long into the future and only history will judge if it was the right thing to do on either side. The EU became what it is today for perfectly valid reasons has it had its time who knows, but there is a tide of dis content with it in certain quarters of society in every country within.

    The flaw - the vote for the UK was Leave or Stay, by a slim margin the response was Leave. But the issue was no mandate was given to the government on the key issues (Single Market, Immigration etc) by the population. This places the government in the unenviable position of defining the details and working out positions on each aspect before coming to the negotiating table. They could also use it to their own end but that’s why we have Parliament to keep them on the right path. Trust me this is going to take longer than 2 years we all know it to be true. It’s not about getting the best deal for the UK, because we are so entwined with the EU we could never make a clean break (its not like we can pick up the UK and move it), but it should now be about getting the best deal for both sides as happens in any negotiation. Anyone who believe you can have this without that etc truly does not understand the rules of the game - so net result will be something in the middle ground as it generally is.

    On BREXIT in the UK both sides said a lot of crap that made neither better than the other and the close vote results proved that. Some in the UK did their research and voted from a position of knowledge, others debated and some voted with their heart never expecting that the result would go their way. In a democracy that's what happens (in politics you never call a vote you are not sure you will win) - the result is in and we all have to live with it and make the best of this situation.

    We have the US in a similar position - how can one of the strongest countries in the world put its self in the position of having an election and be choosing from the 'least worse candidate' (not my words but those of colleagues in the US). With a result being the candidate who actually wins the popular votes loses the election. The winner goes into office with a 40% popularity rating – worst in history. It’s called democracy it’s what can happen. The decision is made and like BREXIT I hope the results are fruitful - again history will judge.

    In a world where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, when you have nothing you have nothing to lose or the grass can look greener elsewhere - then such results are inevitable those in power choose to ignore that at their peril and everyone pays the price.

    Now, we here can take the adult approach of reasoned discussion or we can put up the theoretical walls of your side vs our side but you know what it changes nothing on the world stage the die is cast. It is what it is, the decision is made now let’s get on with getting to an end result whatever that may be.

    If you think these events are isolated look around you – others will follow and as M put it ‘Christ I miss the Cold War’ but you know what times are changing – for better or worse we don’t know yet only time will tell.

    Cheers :007)

    P.S For what it’s worth I voted remain based on my own research, decision was leave, I cannot change it, so let’s get on with it and work with our partners in the EU to see what end result can be achieved. Maybe in 20 years time there will be a vote to return it’s what humans do change things.
    My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    I echo a lot of what Bond44 says, time will tell, and to turn any discussion on this into a blinkered argument is pointless, there will be ground given on both sides the approach of you wanted to leave so go and be dammned you deserve whats coming to you is both unnecessary and short sighted, both parties have too much to lose not to reach some form of agreement.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    Higgins wrote:
    So, you believe that the people will only buy japanese cars, cheap sparkling wine, cheap chinese production machines, automotive parts from chinese suppliers and so on?

    And not to even mention your horrible own beer! :D :D :D

    You'll still buy these from good ol EU maybe on a smaller scale but for a higher price ;)

    As said, the UK market is important for EU members, but the EU market is much more important to all of us - particularly for the producing industry!
    We'll make the right choice ;)
    The unfortunate reality about the cars both here and in us (if trump carries out his threat) is that buyers would be able to buy say a top of the range lexus for the same money as an entry level BMW 3 series ( if tarrifs are added) I'm the US an entry level BMW 3 series would end up at 46000 dollars with an assumed 35% import duty as has been mentioned, that would put the basic BMW into high end mustang gt territory.what would happen is the second hand car market would boom.
    Taking something like wine as an example, out of the top 5 wine importers into the UK Australia and new Zealand are 3rd and 5th biggest France, Italy top 2 and Spain 4th. In the event of European wines becoming more expensive people will simply swap to alternative cheaper sources. Industrial machinery would be subject to business expenses and therefore tax deductible so the cost of those is immaterial.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Chriscoop wrote:
    the approach of you wanted to leave so go and be dammned you deserve whats coming to you is both unnecessary and short sighted, both parties have too much to lose not to reach some form of agreement.

    What do you expect, particularly after such fine, friendly and constructive remarks like that:
    Chriscoop wrote:
    It's run by a drunk who was deemed unfit as a politician in his own country.

    The Brexit Camp put axe on something very valuable to many Europeans and don't care about the collateral damage that they giving to Europe.

    I say leave and deal with the consequences. And leave quick!
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    Higgins wrote:
    Chriscoop wrote:
    the approach of you wanted to leave so go and be dammned you deserve whats coming to you is both unnecessary and short sighted, both parties have too much to lose not to reach some form of agreement.

    What do you expect, particularly after such fine, friendly and constructive remarks like that:
    Chriscoop wrote:
    It's run by a drunk who was deemed unfit as a politician in his own country.

    The Brexit Camp put axe on something very valuable to many Europeans and don't care about the collateral damage that they giving to Europe.

    I say leave and deal with the consequences.
    And the Eu stays totally unscathed I suppose? The name of the game is damage limitation for BOTH parties.
    If you could would you vote for junker?
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    Yes, I would. Juncker has great merits keeping 28 countries together in the past years and deserves our respect for that.
    The EU is not perfect and needs reforms, but without Juncker and Schulz and Merkel may I add, it would have been a total desaster!

    And using the potential collateral damage as a negotiation mass does not make you many friends here.

    The name of the game is "Wash me but I don't want to get wet" - the UK want the privileges without paying for them and calls it "damage control"

    In reality, it's just about UK's privileges and the Brexit camp does not give a damn about the damages done to others. It's just me, myself and I.

    We have enough of that egoism and I am sure that the majority of Europeans is willing to carry the burdens.

    But if the UK would receive the privileges without paying and obeying to the rules(what exactly are the UK willing to give in return for free market access??) that would be the end of the Union. It's not gonna happen.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    Higgins wrote:
    The name of the game is "Wash me but I don't want to get wet" - the UK want the privileges without paying for them and calls it "damage control"

    Can't say I've read or heard that anywhere...the PM said yesterday we understand we can't have it both ways...it's about getting the best deal you can, both sides understand that...

    I am quite touched that you are taking this so personally, Higgybum :D and we both know a compromise of sorts will be struck...all this 'hard-ball' playing by the EU is just a prelude to the negotiations starting -{
    YNWA 97
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Well, so far the UK are playing hardball by putting us the collateral consequences on our throat. What's to be taken personal with that? :)) :))

    The EU was never meant to be a sole trade union only, it's a Union with values and solidarity. That's what the UK never understood.

    And for a Union with value, you need rules and money - both the UK are not willing to accept.

    I am not taking this personal, but don't expect too much sympathy for the Extrawurst the UK are trying to push through.

    UK wanted to leave - now leave
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    Come here and give us a hug, Higgins :))

    The EU is broken and it needs fixing...it should have been done from the inside but now it looks as though it will need to be changed by the countries that are left in it -{
    YNWA 97
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Higgins wrote:
    Well, so far the UK are playing hardball by putting us the collateral consequences on our throat. What's to be taken personal with that? :)) :))

    The EU was never meant to be a sole trade union only, it's a Union with values and solidarity. That's what the UK never understood.

    And for a Union with value, you need rules and money - both the UK are not willing to accept.

    I am not taking this personal, but don't expect too much sympathy for the Extrawurst the UK are trying to push through.

    UK wanted to leave - now leave
    Quite right the Eu also was never supposed to be the all consuming, all powerful governing body for all its members, but that crept in over the years and guess what people don't like to be imposed upon without a say, it's the Eu's refusal to change that threatens it's survival. It's a shame as what the union stood for is a great notion
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    A Union means that the single countries give up regional power.


    You don't like it, get out of the Union but don't threaten them with the damage that it does ;)


    It's like destroying all the windows on a house and then coming back, say "don't take it personal and let's find a deal which limits the damage" :(
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Chriscoop wrote:
    Quite right the Eu also was never supposed to be the all consuming, all powerful governing body for all its members, but that crept in over the years and guess what people don't like to be imposed upon without a say, it's the Eu's refusal to change that threatens it's survival. It's a shame as what the union stood for is a great notion
    Sir Miles wrote:
    The EU is broken and it needs fixing...it should have been done from the inside but now it looks as though it will need to be changed by the countries that are left in it -{

    And the UK had quite a record for being those who refused to greenlight many decicions in favour of progress and unity in the past decades.

    Like I say: Destroying all the windows on a house and then bemoaning the terrible shape that it's in.

    And no hugs for you today, Sir Miles :p
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Bond44Bond44 Vauxhall CrossPosts: 1,581MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    And there you hit the nail on the head - we all know the EU is not perfect and reform has been long overdue, yet the only ones who can change it are those who believe it is perfect and so very little has changed. Like I said before, the EU had the power to change things long before the UK got to where it did yet did very little to support the UK governments case to remain. Now seemingly upset when the vote result was leave, as if the UK is some sort of petulant child. Net result seems sections of the UK population saw that even having a seat at the top table achieved little so change had to come in a different way and it has.

    I sense many in the EU see UK as making trouble for them and breaking the EU model. Personally I, like many I guess, have listened to many opinions and debates on both sides. As I said the birth of the EU had perfectly valid reasons many of those still valid today. But over time people have become dis enchanted with it and what it stands for. When you have un elected parliaments, politicians, Courts and many other EU organisations making policy decisions (some of them seemingly ludicrous and we all know there have been some) or over turning those decisions made in the country of origin, then something has gone wrong and I can understand why that upset some. Such things are a gift to those who seek the evidence to leave - and they maximized on it and won - there has to be a winner and a loser when the option is yes/ no or in/out.

    The EU is not the United States of the EU it never will be there is too much history. It's a collection of 28 counties all with their own borders and each with its own sovereignty, that have agreements in many different areas of life that are mutually beneficial. In time, I see no reason why that cannot continue (sure its raw now) - but of course in a different form for the UK because of the BREXIT decision. There are countries in the EU region not part of the EU but privvie to the benefits of being closely associated - so this situation is not new. After all we are all linked Globally now more than ever before - I use the Airbus analogy - they will not stop being building the aircraft just because part of it will be built outside the EU and I am sure similar situations will be repeated in many different areas.

    Will making the UK exit and exit fast stop others from following or the domino effect - I doubt it like I said the dis enchantment exists already everywhere, change nothing and it will find it’s own voice. Those at the top of the EU need to listen to this wake up call else the sea of change could be moving further still in other countries as well.

    The first way to dealing with a problem. is admitting you have one in the first place.

    Cheers :007)
    My name is Bond, Basildon Bond - I have letters after my name!
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    Higgins wrote:
    You don't like it, get out of the Union but don't threaten them with the damage that it does ;)

    And the EU threatens the U.K. with the damage it will do...it's all posturing ;)
    YNWA 97
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Sir Miles wrote:
    Higgins wrote:
    The name of the game is "Wash me but I don't want to get wet" - the UK want the privileges without paying for them and calls it "damage control"

    Can't say I've read or heard that anywhere...the PM said yesterday we understand we can't have it both ways...it's about getting the best deal you can, both sides understand that...

    That's quite what I've said.

    The UK don't want to obey to EU rules, they don't want the EU membership payments but want to have access to the market. As if you could pick the cherries and let others - who obey to the rules - pay.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    Higgins wrote:
    And no hugs for you today, Sir Miles :p

    Then I'm off to find Mrs Higgins :)) {[]
    YNWA 97
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    Sir Miles wrote:
    Higgins wrote:
    You don't like it, get out of the Union but don't threaten them with the damage that it does ;)

    And the EU threatens the U.K. with the damage it will do...it's all posturing ;)

    No, we are just treating the UK like any other country outside of the EU.
    Because they left the EU. Simples!
    That was pretty clear right from the beginning and the nature of the game, the clowns from the Brexit camp labeled it as scaremongering and belitteled that by saying that the UK will get a "special deal" because the "market is so important"
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Sir Miles wrote:
    Higgins wrote:
    And no hugs for you today, Sir Miles :p

    Then I'm off to find Mrs Higgins :)) {[]

    She has a rather strong opinion about the Brit Extrawurst :D
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    Higgins wrote:
    Sir Miles wrote:
    Higgins wrote:
    And no hugs for you today, Sir Miles :p

    Then I'm off to find Mrs Higgins :)) {[]

    She has a rather strong opinion about the Brit Extrawurst :D

    I bet she does :))
    YNWA 97
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    She'd put it not as mildly like her slight dissatisfaction with that waiter :D
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,417Chief of Staff
    Higgins wrote:
    She'd put it not as mildly like her slight dissatisfaction with that waiter :D

    Indeed :))
    YNWA 97
  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,644MI6 Agent
    edited July 2018
    This is my MP, Ian Paisley (North Antrim). Although I am a unionist, I did not vote for him or his party. This is the second major scandal (this time involving undeclared Sri Lankan holidays) he has been involved in (people seem to forget that there was an earlier one in 2007-08). He has just been given the longest suspension from the House of Commons since the current system was adopted in 1949.

    There may be implications for the Brexit votes in the Commons as the Government depends on the 10 DUP MPs to hold its majority after the hung parliament that resulted after the disastrous 2017 General Election. Paisley has also been suspended indefinitely by his party, the DUP, pending a party inquiry. There is talk of a by-election for North Antrim, and he wishes to run again.

    The North Antrim recall petition, 2018 is a recall petition for the United Kingdom parliamentary constituency of North Antrim, in Northern Ireland. The petition is the first of its kind in UK parliamentary history, under the Recall of MPs Act 2015.

    More details on this ongoing political story here:

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-44932312
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Sad to see, another politician getting caught taking a few freebies :#
    Although I do Like him, seems a decent bloke and from listening to
    local radio shows, he does a lot of work for his constituents, so I'd guess
    he'd be re-elected and given how much we're paying our local politicians
    who've done nothing for almost two years :)) I honestly think it doesn't
    look so bad.
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
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