Brexit RIP

[Platypus]

In 45 years, how much have our "world class" politicians managed to reform the CAP and the CFP? The stuff that really needs fixing can't be fixed. I'm sure we were very influential when it came to banning smoking, and lightbulbs that cost less than a tenner, but in reality our presence in the "club" is tolerated because of our financial contribution, and any illusion that we have any actual influence is purely that. An illusion.

And this ^ is the main reason many of those who voted LEAVE voted that way.

[meridian]

And this ^ is the main reason many of those who voted LEAVE voted that way.

Is that why the UK has exactly the same benefits as, say, Germany or France?

Well, apart from the opt outs on Schengen and the Euro. And the rebate. And having a greater proportion of MEPs compared to population. Etc.

Leavers have been duped by the MSM and their own stupidity / chips on their shoulders.

There may be plenty of reasons to leave, but “no influence” is not one of them.

[Mordac]

Is that why the UK has exactly the same benefits as, say, Germany or France?

Well, apart from the opt outs on Schengen and the Euro. And the rebate. And having a greater proportion of MEPs compared to population. Etc.

Leavers have been duped by the MSM and their own stupidity / chips on their shoulders.

There may be plenty of reasons to leave, but “no influence” is not one of them.

Even with a rebate we're the second biggest net contributor. And as I said previously, if we can't change the stuff that really needs changing, what's the point?

[meridian]

Even with a rebate we're the second biggest net contributor. And as I said previously, if we can't change the stuff that really needs changing, what's the point?

It’s not about “we can’t change things”, unilateral change doesn’t happen with any partner you’re in treaty with. We influence change.

And if, as you say, we can’t influence change with the rest of the EU when we pay in and have a disproportionate number of MEPs, good luck trying to influence change with the US when negotiating.

[DimPrawn]

Even with a rebate we're the second biggest net contributor. And as I said previously, if we can't change the stuff that really needs changing, what's the point?

If you add up the contributions since we joined it is something like 1/4 trillion pounds. If that money had gone into a sovereign wealth fund and had been invested globally, we would likely be the wealthiest nation on the planet bar none.

[meridian]

If you add up the contributions since we joined it is something like 1/4 trillion pounds. If that money had gone into a sovereign wealth fund and had been invested globally, we would likely be the wealthiest nation on the planet bar none.

You’re like the man that adds up everything he’s earned over 10 years and wonders why he’s not a millionaire.

Adding up contributions without extensive analysis on benefits received is meaningless.

[Mordac]

It’s not about “we can’t change things”, unilateral change doesn’t happen with any partner you’re in treaty with. We influence change.

And if, as you say, we can’t influence change with the rest of the EU when we pay in and have a disproportionate number of MEPs, good luck trying to influence change with the US when negotiating.

Really? The whole of my adult life within the EU tells me something slightly different. They shout "Jump" and we say "How high?"

[meridian]

Really? The whole of my adult life within the EU tells me something slightly different. They shout "Jump" and we say "How high?"

Example? Who’s “they”?

[Whorty]

Really? The whole of my adult life within the EU tells me something slightly different. They shout "Jump" and we say "How high?"

You're right ... they told us we couldn't have bendy bananas, and lo and behold, no bendy bananas in supermarkets

[Mordac]

Example? Who’s “they”?

If you have to ask, you clearly weren't paying attention in the first place.