The image that says it all

[_V_]

Note the poor, backward looking countries that are not part of any trade bloc (in grey)

[malvolio]

Now find one that demonstrates Trade Agreements with other countries.

[_V_]

Now find one that demonstrates Trade Agreements with other countries.

The point is, almost every country is part of a trading bloc, that's how efficient trade works in the modern world.

[_V_]

[malvolio]

The point is, almost every country is part of a trading bloc, that's how efficient trade works in the modern world.

Yes I understand that perfectly well thanks. How long does it take to create a new one or join one already in place? Especially when we are a service economy rather than a trading one? I suppose we could swap a few dozen contractors for several tons of spuds of course.

[BlasterBates]

UK GDP % change compared to pre-pandemic levels is -0.4%, whereas all other economies have grown. The Eurozone economy has grown by 2.1%.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk...fings/sn02784/

That's why the situation is so bad in the UK. Basically the economy is just shrinking. Small companies are failing to grow into new large companies because it's too difficult to expand into the EU.

[malvolio]

UK GDP % change compared to pre-pandemic levels is -0.4%, whereas all other economies have grown. The Eurozone economy has grown by 2.1%.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk...fings/sn02784/

That's why the situation is so bad in the UK. Basically the economy is just shrinking. Small companies are failing to grow into new large companies because it's too difficult to expand into the EU.

So how about you complete the quotation...

Please note that headline GDP growth figures across countries are not 100% comparable. For example, the UK takes a different approach to others in calculating output in the education and health sectors. This has resulted in the UK’s GDP growth figures being lower in 2020, and higher in 2021 (as this effect unwound), compared with other G7 economies than they otherwise would have been.

Yes, we are in a bad position - but it's not necessarily as bad as some commentators would have us believe. And let's face it, since early in this year when Patygate kicked off we haven't really had a working, sensible government in charge for all sorts of reasons, most of which are related to Parliament playing politics among themselves rather than governing the country. So it's not all that surprising that we are in a mess, given all the factors in play.

[darmstadt]

So how about you complete the quotation...

Yes, we are in a bad position - but it's not necessarily as bad as some commentators would have us believe. And let's face it, since early in this year when Patygate kicked off we haven't really had a working, sensible government in charge for all sorts of reasons, most of which are related to Parliament playing politics among themselves rather than governing the country. So it's not all that surprising that we are in a mess, given all the factors in play.

I think that you'll find that the UK hasn't had a working, sensible and functioning government since the referendum. Do you think uch of this tulip would have happened if that hadn't occurred? Due a bunch of racists and neo-facsists causing the Tories to run scared about losing their position in government, they decide to screw up the country instead. Ever since then the Tories have put party and politics before the country...

[sadkingbilly]

Ever since WW1 the Tories have put party and politics before the country...

ftfy

[Paddy]

Now find one that demonstrates Trade Agreements with other countries.

Why don't you supply a list?