Reply to: List of things to do before April 1st 2019

[NigelJK]

They have a plan with the French to give him more free Champagne until he gets liver disease.

Brandy would be quicker. As a matter of interest the Champagne houses are (and have been for a while) buying up lots of Kent so that they can import the grapes to make 'Champagne'. Apart from the A.O.C paradox, wonder what the tariff would be it if came to that.

[original PM]

But the thing is, it doesn't have to be an either/or choice.

Luckily, influential businessmen all across the continent realise this. So when the Junckers of the world eventually get sidelined and the Bremoaners stop wetting themselves, matters will all settle down amicably and pragmatically.

Tis the way of things....


HTH

Indeed as many of us said last June the main concern is not the UK leaving the EU more the pointless Bureaucrats who would completely abuse their own power to further their own political agenda with no thought for the business or citizens of either the EU or the UK.

And look what's happening!

And this you would argue really supports one of the main reasons the UK ended up with a leave vote - we do not need a European Parliament as it does not act in the best interest of its members.

[shaunbhoy]

So although the UK is important, it is not as important as the rest of the EU...

But the thing is, it doesn't have to be an either/or choice.

Luckily, influential businessmen all across the continent realise this. So when the Junckers of the world eventually get sidelined and the Bremoaners stop wetting themselves, matters will all settle down amicably and pragmatically.

Tis the way of things....


HTH

[Mordac]

They know what's important but that plan you are referring to is a draft (which I don't suspect you have read) and just how many drafts have you seen that have changed?





So although the UK is important, it is not as important as the rest of the EU...

Now, credit where it's due, all of that is both relevant and interesting. I was fully aware it was a draft, and may or may not bear any resemblance to the final German govt position (which matters, in that the German govt position will carry great weight towards whatever the EU eventually agrees). The Germans tend to be pragmatic and realistic, so there's hope that in the short term they will put their economic interests (and the economic interests of fellow EU member states who may need further support if one of their biggest export markets is forced to take a large, and very avoidable hit) ahead of the petty political squabbles of a jumped-up bureaucrat. Let's not kid ourselves that Juncker carries any great political weight, except through his position, which is very temporary.
In summary, an awful lot of this depends on whether Germany thinks they can cope with crapping all over the UK, and then picking up the shortfall, or would they rather the UK was fit enough to still be a good customer, but won't get access to all the goodies (such that they may be) somewhere down the line. I think Germany will play the long game, because that way it looks like we both win, although we all know they'll actually win on penalties...

[SueEllen]

Well, that's a very cheap way of saving an undeserved pension. A few cases of discounted Bolly is a small price to pay. Carry on chaps...

Doesn't he have a wife? So at least someone will be left happy.

[Mordac]

They have a plan with the French to give him more free Champagne until he gets liver disease.

Well, that's a very cheap way of saving an undeserved pension. A few cases of discounted Bolly is a small price to pay. Carry on chaps...

[SueEllen]

Indeed. I spotted the German plan for the afterlife, and it's quite cheery, they seem to have their economic interests at heart, rather than Juncker's ego. He's totally disposable, it seems...

They have a plan with the French to give him more free Champagne until he gets liver disease.

[darmstadt]

Indeed. I spotted the German plan for the afterlife, and it's quite cheery, they seem to have their economic interests at heart, rather than Juncker's ego. He's totally disposable, it seems...

They know what's important but that plan you are referring to is a draft (which I don't suspect you have read) and just how many drafts have you seen that have changed?

Brexit is not a political issue in Germany. No election will be won or lost because of it. Angela Merkel’s position — to walk in lock-step with France and the Commission — is not controversial, it is consensus across the political landscape.

For Berlin, Brexit is less of a negotiation than a punchline. Germans officials like to joke that Brits are quickly becoming the largest refugee group in Berlin.

They are bemused at how the British have become more literate in the minutiae of EU rules than at any time during their unlucky four decades as members of the bloc.

With exports valued at €86 billion, the U.K is Germany’s third largest market and fifth largest trading partner as of 2016, according to DIHK statistics.
...
German exports to the U.K. sank by 3 percent in the first six months of 2017 compared to the first half of 2016, even as Germany’s EU exports have ticked up by 6 percent in the same period

So although the UK is important, it is not as important as the rest of the EU...

For German companies, the continuity and certainty provided by the single market and the advantages provided by free movement of labor outweigh a potential loss of U.K. buyers for their products as a result of Brexit. And they are wary of any deal that might endanger the stability of the single market by encouraging Brexit-style disruption in other member countries.

[Mordac]

You have all figured that it's going to work out alright and that not much is going to change really?

I'm starting to worry that some of you are beginning to believe all the hyperbole and lies put around by both sides.

Indeed. I spotted the German plan for the afterlife, and it's quite cheery, they seem to have their economic interests at heart, rather than Juncker's ego. He's totally disposable, it seems...

[BR14]

I'm starting to worry that some of you are beginning to believe all the hyperbole and lies put around by both sides.

hear! hear!

[tomtomagain]

You have all figured that it's going to work out alright and that not much is going to change really?

I'm starting to worry that some of you are beginning to believe all the hyperbole and lies put around by both sides.

[northernladyuk]

Coming from a remainder that's rich. Not one of their 'predictions' for the leave vote came about did it?

Weren't there predictions about a decline in the value of sterling?

(and neither will any of their bleating about an Irish style 2nd Referendum come to anything either)?

Glad you found your crystal ball.

[NigelJK]

Coming from a remainder that's rich. Not one of their 'predictions' for the leave vote came about did it (and neither will any of their bleating about an Irish style 2nd Referendum come to anything either)?

[northernladyuk]

I'm pretty sure I don't need to do any of that, but then I don't have your razor sharp intellect and 100% accurate crystal ball to work with.

Then again, I'm sure that if I wanted my old gig back in Frankfurt they'd jump at it, providing visas and all if required, as their local 'talent' is extremely lacking. But why would I, when I know that you won't be getting a look in on UK contracts, with their inflated rates, long term stability and local to where you live?

It's funny that so many Brexiteers, who once predicted a bright future, now make out that planning for the future is futile because you can't predict the future with 100% certainty.

[NigelJK]

I'm pretty sure I don't need to do any of that, but then I don't have your razor sharp intellect and 100% accurate crystal ball to work with.

Then again, I'm sure that if I wanted my old gig back in Frankfurt they'd jump at it, providing visas and all if required, as their local 'talent' is extremely lacking. But why would I, when I know that you won't be getting a look in on UK contracts, with their inflated rates, long term stability and local to where you live?