This is very good - Patrick Stewart explains the European Convention on Human Rights for us -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptfmAY6M6aA - great acting ! Would be funny if it wasn't all so true !
Review of Books on Brexit / EU / Remain
Good reviews of books that cover the Brexit period - I quite fancy reading all of them !
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2016/dec/22/thirty-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-eu-referendum
The Country Models Document
Just found this - this was a requirement of the EU Referendum Act - to present the various country model options - eg the Norway Model, the Switzerland model and the Canada Model.
Not great reading - none of the options sound too good for eg financial services or exports: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/504604/Alternatives_to_membership_-_possible_models_for_the_UK_outside_the_EU.pdf
Not great reading - none of the options sound too good for eg financial services or exports: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/504604/Alternatives_to_membership_-_possible_models_for_the_UK_outside_the_EU.pdf
House of Lords
Will the House of Lords back Brexit ? or not ? I see somebody is telling them what to do. Surely the point of having them is you let them have the Independence to review legislation.
Now many in the House of Lords have years of experience and also there are people there from Industry and Medicine etc who can bring experience from their own sectors. I wonder if their longer term view might just be different to the short term view/playing at politics view from the Tory party... https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/government-and-public-sector/news/80876/government-drops-plans-curtail-house-lords-powers
Now many in the House of Lords have years of experience and also there are people there from Industry and Medicine etc who can bring experience from their own sectors. I wonder if their longer term view might just be different to the short term view/playing at politics view from the Tory party... https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/government-and-public-sector/news/80876/government-drops-plans-curtail-house-lords-powers
Scotland and EEA and Radio Programme "Brexit - What Europe Thinks"
There was an interesting and informed (makes a change !!) spokesperson from Friends of Europe on BBC Radio Scotland today - explaining the issues around Scotland staying a member of the EEA - along with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein - sounded a possibility - we are currently a member of the EEA as part of the EU - but that would mean we could stay in a trade area - although there was something about customs restrictions eg for Norway to export salmon - it is cheaper to export it raw and get it smoked in Poland or UK at moment as there is tariff of 15%?? on exports of smoked salmon from there - its all a bit of a minefield !!
http://www.friendsofeurope.org/
Also- you must listen to this - I wish we had never had this Referendum Vote - its all too complicated - in my opinion its going to ruin us economically as the only way UK can grow is to export goods that we have manufactured - its the only way to sort out of balance of trade deficit - and to encourage exports being part of a free trade area and customs union of EU is surely a good idea ! and negotiating trade agreements with elsewhere based on a strong position in the EU -
"Brexit - What Europe Thinks" - a half hour programme on radio - worth listening to http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b082fjkh#play
http://www.friendsofeurope.org/
Also- you must listen to this - I wish we had never had this Referendum Vote - its all too complicated - in my opinion its going to ruin us economically as the only way UK can grow is to export goods that we have manufactured - its the only way to sort out of balance of trade deficit - and to encourage exports being part of a free trade area and customs union of EU is surely a good idea ! and negotiating trade agreements with elsewhere based on a strong position in the EU -
"Brexit - What Europe Thinks" - a half hour programme on radio - worth listening to http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b082fjkh#play
What Theresa May Should have Said
I was driving home this evening and mulled over what Theresa May could have said instead of the infamous "Brexit means Brexit" ....
here is what I came up with .... (now remember I am a Remain supporter - but if she had wanted to try and get me on side here is what might have helped !)
my first draft !
But I would prefer she said here :
"We currently have a great number of valued EU citizens living in Britain. We ask that everyone stays and continues to contribute to our society. We will keep you informed of how the situation progresses and if and when Brexit has been concluded we would hope to offer UK citizenship to those who request it. It is certainly our hope that no-one should have to leave who is already here from an EU country and who wishes to remain as a contributer to our society. We would also hope that in return that EU countries will protect and welcome those UK citizens who are living and working in Europe. We do not wish to play with people's lifes - citizens will not be part of our negotiations.
Why was her speech not more like this ? Was it that "winning mentality" which has probably got her far through life. But did she ever notice the losers en route ? Or maybe its that grammar school education where you are told "you are a winner" ... you don't need to worry about the losers ! But when 48% of those who voted are Losers and many of those are intelligent people with a lot to lose then it might have been a good idea to try to get them on board for this "new project".
here is what I came up with .... (now remember I am a Remain supporter - but if she had wanted to try and get me on side here is what might have helped !)
my first draft !
"I would like to thank the citizens of the United Kingdom for their considered votes and for the result of this Referendum. A majority of voters have indicated they wish to Leave the European Union. These people have considered a variety of reasons and we hope that with time we will be able to lead the United Kingdom in a direction that is a good way forward. However we must also thank those who voted in large numbers to Remain in the European Union. These people also made a considered and difficult decision. It has not been an easy decision. Many were happy with the status quo and we must ensure that the future establishment of the United Kingdom will help them to also to have a good future.(If she really does not feel she can offer all our current EU citizens who live in UK a permanent home then maybe she could have said at this point: "We currently have a great number of valued EU citizens living in Britain. We hope that everyone can stay, but if this proves to be impossible, please be assured that there will be no sudden changes. We will keep you informed of how this situation progresses. It is certainly our hope that no-one should have to leave who is already here from an EU country and who wishes to remain as a contributer to our society.")
We would like to thank the citizens of the European Union and their elected representatives. The UK has benefited greatly from being part of a stable, united Europe. We have moved forward together into the 21st Century. However, now we have taken the decision to Leave the EU. We are not leaving the Continent of Europe. We are still proud to call you our neighbours and friends. We hope to continue to work with you, learn with you and trade with you. But we have taken the decision that the United Kingdom would now like to take control of the decision making and law making processes. We hope that this can be carried out smoothly and over a period of time, as we wish no disruption to the European system and we wish to make no sudden changes. We will make a considered exit to suit us all."
But I would prefer she said here :
"We currently have a great number of valued EU citizens living in Britain. We ask that everyone stays and continues to contribute to our society. We will keep you informed of how the situation progresses and if and when Brexit has been concluded we would hope to offer UK citizenship to those who request it. It is certainly our hope that no-one should have to leave who is already here from an EU country and who wishes to remain as a contributer to our society. We would also hope that in return that EU countries will protect and welcome those UK citizens who are living and working in Europe. We do not wish to play with people's lifes - citizens will not be part of our negotiations.
In the mantime, after a period of reflection my ministers will present a portfolio to the European ministers to review and we will then aim to begin talks at a time suitable for all involved. I thank you for listening......etc "
Why was her speech not more like this ? Was it that "winning mentality" which has probably got her far through life. But did she ever notice the losers en route ? Or maybe its that grammar school education where you are told "you are a winner" ... you don't need to worry about the losers ! But when 48% of those who voted are Losers and many of those are intelligent people with a lot to lose then it might have been a good idea to try to get them on board for this "new project".
Nissan and Related Companies
£4m boost for electric vehicles - maybe
http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/hartlepool-has-received-7million-in-european-funding-1-7823657
http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/hartlepool-has-received-7million-in-european-funding-1-7823657
Credit Suisse Exchange Rate predictions
Credit Suisse Exchange rate predictions, based on whether its a Soft or Hard Brexit - interesting reading -
https://www.poundsterlinglive.com/gbp-live-today/5618-gbp-to-eur-and-usd-forecasts-credit-suisse
https://www.poundsterlinglive.com/gbp-live-today/5618-gbp-to-eur-and-usd-forecasts-credit-suisse
EU Observer
Interesting article about the state of economy in Finland. Also looks like there is an interesting one about Germany and benefits to EU citizens :
https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/132860
https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/132860
CBI Letter
This letter is very clear about what industry and finance need - and how it could affect us all if they don't get the best deal - http://www.cbi.org.uk/news/cbi-signs-open-letter-to-government-on-brexit-negotiations/
Theresa May ....or then again Theresa May Not !!! She keeping her hands clean anyway.
Theresa May has delivered a relatively innocuous Conservative Party conference speech - very scripted - very bad "jokes" as usual - and she basically left the others of the party to announce the horrible new policies, for example Amber Rudd with policies to get companies to declare foreign workers (which will hopefully not happen ...and as she herself has been a foreign worker during her career its a funny thing to want to promote) and Philip Hammond with his tax announcements. And what with her already launched Brexit squad of Fox, Davis and Boris then I wonder if this will be her style. Blame the others if things go wrong, take the credit if things go right and don't ever be heard to admit anything yourself. Just smile for the cameras ... Some might say this is a good way to survive - but is it really a good way to lead and believe in your vision ? For example she claims to be helping working class people and yet in the next announcement they are announcing new grammar schools to be launched....!!
Hard Brexit seems to have triggered further fall on Pound
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37582150 - I mean I would think if this falls much further we are going to enter a period like the financial crisis.... and will it start to affect world markets ?
Now while a low pound means our exports are cheap, many exports are made using imports which are now dearer, so that is one offset. But the low pound was not an intention by the Brexit campaign - its more a sign of lack of trust by financial markets ... and when that trust returns (if it does !) then the pound will rise again and our exports will be more expensive again .... by which time hopefully British companies will be more resilient after a few good years of exporting ... but this is ALL beyond control of politicians, beyond if they see a steady hand on the ship - that reassures the markets !
Now while a low pound means our exports are cheap, many exports are made using imports which are now dearer, so that is one offset. But the low pound was not an intention by the Brexit campaign - its more a sign of lack of trust by financial markets ... and when that trust returns (if it does !) then the pound will rise again and our exports will be more expensive again .... by which time hopefully British companies will be more resilient after a few good years of exporting ... but this is ALL beyond control of politicians, beyond if they see a steady hand on the ship - that reassures the markets !
Kenneth Clarke say David Cameron did not discuss EU Referendum decision with Cabinet
Our democracy is based on a collective cabinet - the respect for this seems to have been eroded by Tony Blair and now it appears David Cameron has made the decision to go ahead with the Referendum without consulting them. Kenneth Clarke, highly experienced politician has stated the following :
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-eu-referendum-brexit-ken-clarke-memoirs-pm-did-not-discuss-with-cabinet-a7342856.html
And, having disagreed with Kenneth Clarke over the years, it says something when he thinks people are too right wing !! So pay heed to what he is saying !
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-eu-referendum-brexit-ken-clarke-memoirs-pm-did-not-discuss-with-cabinet-a7342856.html
And, having disagreed with Kenneth Clarke over the years, it says something when he thinks people are too right wing !! So pay heed to what he is saying !
UK Exports / Imports - What do we Export / Import and Where to ?
What does UK Export - this is very informative - hover over each square to find out http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/gbr/
Starting a new blog to analyse the facts of Brexit.
I was a Remain supporter although with reservations. The issues were too large for most normal voters to comprehend, yet this vote was put to the public.
I did intend to gather facts before the vote but I did not have time so now I am making up for that and analysing the facts afterwards to see what type of solution we can come to - can we stop Brexit - the more that the facts come up it appears that Brexit will only suit a few and not the majority of UK citizens. And 50 years of European integration will be lost.
And here is my pie chart to illustrate the vote better - here is how the electorate voted (or not) that day in May or June ? 2016
But lets firstly gather the facts and interesting news stories
The first post Brexit vote EU Summit - will we be at the table ? We should be until Brexit happens (or not !) in my opinion - although I still think we should remain in the EU !
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-eu-referendum-europe-bratislava-summit-uk-views-don-t-count-get-used-to-it-a7309831.html
Britannia Rules the Waves .... !
I find this hysterical - it just typifies how out of touch these people are to me ... especially as at least one of our fabulous yacht making companies has been bought over by the Chinese - surely we could crowdfund to keep our excellent countries UK owned .... I would happily invest something in a company - it might get better returns that the banks miserable interest rates ! http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/bring-back-britannia-to-rule-the-waves-after-brexit/ar-BBwfN5i?ocid=spartanntp
Switzerland and Brexit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37312807
Australia and Brexit
http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/australian-trade-minister-says-special-relationship-with-uk
The Letter from Japan
http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/
Will only bankers avoid the immigration curbs (surely not !!) lets hope Engineers will too - but I think I preferred it when we could all have a right to live in the rest of Europe - surely as EU Citizens that is the best way to be ...
can we take this to European Court for Human Rights - as these things are being decided by Conservative party who only have 24.4% of electorate actually voting them into power! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/european-bankers-will-be-exempt-from-migration-curbs-after-brexi/
We may need to apply to visit Europe !
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/09/britons-may-have-to-apply-to-visit-europe-under-eu-visa-scheme
BREXIT - a big rundown of the consequences of what is likely to happen with Brexit - I really think you've got to admit that it just cant go ahead - http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/this-is-what-would-actually-happen-if-we-implemented-the-brexit-economic-plans-suggested-by-a7236816.html
Science Research centres - being removed - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/17/eu-countries-rush-steal-uk-based-research-projects?CMP=share_btn_tw
Telegraph - speculating on the latest re Brexit
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/why-all-the-signs-point-to-work-permit-system-and-hard-brexit-as/
2015 General Election
I was a Remain supporter although with reservations. The issues were too large for most normal voters to comprehend, yet this vote was put to the public.
I did intend to gather facts before the vote but I did not have time so now I am making up for that and analysing the facts afterwards to see what type of solution we can come to - can we stop Brexit - the more that the facts come up it appears that Brexit will only suit a few and not the majority of UK citizens. And 50 years of European integration will be lost.
And here is my pie chart to illustrate the vote better - here is how the electorate voted (or not) that day in May or June ? 2016
But lets firstly gather the facts and interesting news stories
The first post Brexit vote EU Summit - will we be at the table ? We should be until Brexit happens (or not !) in my opinion - although I still think we should remain in the EU !
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-eu-referendum-europe-bratislava-summit-uk-views-don-t-count-get-used-to-it-a7309831.html
Britannia Rules the Waves .... !
I find this hysterical - it just typifies how out of touch these people are to me ... especially as at least one of our fabulous yacht making companies has been bought over by the Chinese - surely we could crowdfund to keep our excellent countries UK owned .... I would happily invest something in a company - it might get better returns that the banks miserable interest rates ! http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/bring-back-britannia-to-rule-the-waves-after-brexit/ar-BBwfN5i?ocid=spartanntp
Switzerland and Brexit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37312807
Australia and Brexit
http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/australian-trade-minister-says-special-relationship-with-uk
The Letter from Japan
http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/
Will only bankers avoid the immigration curbs (surely not !!) lets hope Engineers will too - but I think I preferred it when we could all have a right to live in the rest of Europe - surely as EU Citizens that is the best way to be ...
can we take this to European Court for Human Rights - as these things are being decided by Conservative party who only have 24.4% of electorate actually voting them into power! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/european-bankers-will-be-exempt-from-migration-curbs-after-brexi/
We may need to apply to visit Europe !
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/09/britons-may-have-to-apply-to-visit-europe-under-eu-visa-scheme
BREXIT - a big rundown of the consequences of what is likely to happen with Brexit - I really think you've got to admit that it just cant go ahead - http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/this-is-what-would-actually-happen-if-we-implemented-the-brexit-economic-plans-suggested-by-a7236816.html
Science Research centres - being removed - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/17/eu-countries-rush-steal-uk-based-research-projects?CMP=share_btn_tw
Telegraph - speculating on the latest re Brexit
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/08/why-all-the-signs-point-to-work-permit-system-and-hard-brexit-as/
2015 General Election
THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTION A voting system in crisis
https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/file/1767/download?token=cY4ruQ3t
2015 must be the last General Election under our broken First. Past the Post voting ... with 36.9% of the electorate voting Conservative and 30.4% voting Labour.
Conservatives - 11,334,576 out of
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