Off Topic UK / EU Future

Weren't we always regarded as the sick man of Europe before we joined the EU?
Striking though does seem to have become part of the French national psyche. OFH - you live there - does that give you any insight into how the French man on the Clapham Omnibus (that was for Cologne who likes him) views strikes?

 

But surely the French man on the Clapham Omnibus must be something of a rarity ?

 

You'd be surprised. There's quite a large French community in South and West London. I must confess that I've never asked what they think about strikes though I am guessing they don't like it when the tubes are out...

 

I should have said hundreds of UK flights cancelled, thousands across Europe. We were so lucky our flights to Spain were mid week to mid week. So sorry for the thousands of British families whose holidays are ruined. The strikes are set to continue throughout the summer.

 

Given the economy needs all the money possible right now is it not rather unpatriotic to be holidaying abroad?

 

Interesting question. I would say that the average French person would defend the rights of the worker to take strike action without any doubt. When it is a government employer then it becomes even more acceptable. However creating a bit of chaos for a day or two doesn't raise many eyelids, but if it is long running people seem to say, you have made your point, enough is enough. Private company disputes are not very common at all because there are quite extensive dispute resolution processes in place which seem to work quite well.
The problems on the railway are due to different contracts for new employees to those that give amazing perks to existing workers. From what I see people have given up with this group because the offer seems fair. It does not try to take away rights that people have. You can try to say that transport problems here are unique, but you only have to look at the dispute about guards on trains in the UK to see that a long running dispute can make life difficult for people everyday of the week as they struggle to get to work. Looking up at the skies today there are not many less vapour trails than normal.
The role of the press is also different. Far more factual giving a real in depth insight to a dispute, rather than the silly headlines that have become the normal from certain papers. Such disputes will also be discussed at length on TV in a factual way.
Figures suggest that France does have more strikes than the UK, but seeing as they produce as much in four days as the UK does in five even with the strikes, perhaps they can afford it slightly more.

 

Not to mention bad also for the environment to be flying over such short distances.

 

To be entirely fair the train companies don't make it that easy. Off to Scotland for my hols next month and the train is twice as much as the plane. I'm getting the train as having had ten years of spending way too much time in airports for work I try to avoid them whenever I can. Not everyone has that luxury.

I think even flights to Belgium, France and Germany are cheaper than the Eurostar.

On principle though I agree entirely

 

Due to the horrendously high level of unemployment in some EU countries is it not neighbourly to help these struggling economies by spending our money there.? Is youth unemployment still nearly 40% in Spain. I'm consuming as much as possible to help their cause.

 

Recent figures show France has nearly 8 times the days lost through strikes than the UK. It is safe to say the UK poses no threat to France's 'sick man of Europe' tag.

 

I am not surprised by those strike statistics - France really does seem to like their strikes. I am pleased that in the UK strikes are comparatively rare nowadays - but those on Southern Rail were certainly a nuisance. I would make strikes illegal and make arbitration compulsory. IN this day and age holding people's lives to ransom is not an acceptable form of industrial action. I guess we have Maggie to thank for breaking union power and the reduction in strikes is a good legacy of hers. If Corbyn gets into number 10 I suspect we will see a lot of that reversed.

 

Just a question SH but how do you see the future relationship between the UK and EU?

 

Impossible to say at this time until the details of the final deal is known. If you ask me what I would prefer that is much easier. No doubt I will be accused of 'cherry picking', incidentally one of my favourite fruits despite the heartburn.

I would like the UK to firstly achieve the aims expected during the run up to the referendum. Sovereignty, full control of UK borders, full control of U.K. fishing rights and an end to sending large sums to Brussels.

Within these new parameters I would like to see excellent trading relations with EU countries on a basis that benefits all. I would like to see close cooperation on defence and security with the UK paying it.s fair share to be part of groups which the UK decides is worth the effort and cost. I would wish for visa free travel for UK and the EU to be able to continue as much access as possible with agreed rules on length of stay. I would expect all expats rights to be respected but with sensible safeguards to avoid a repeat of the uncontrolled mass movement that lead to Brexit.
So in a nutshell, a friendly relationship based on mutual respect and understanding which benefits all.

 

Not evidenced by some of the triumphalism posted on here.................

 

Necessary ?

 

Sounds good. Can I probe into whether or not we would be in or have access to the single market and /or customs union?

 

OK. thanks for correcting me .... Not evidenced by some of the Unnecessary triumphalism posted here

 

You know I cannot answer that. Hopefully common sense will find the EU negotiators at the last minute.
To be able to do free trade deals with the rest of the world would disqualify membership but no reason a free trade deal cannot be concluded.

 

Dont t bother Léo he cannot help the personal abuse, it detracts from his reasoning.

Last night in Spain, Just off to mix with the delightful locals, I'm such a europhope

 

At least he can reason..... I lost mine to rioja some years back