Off Topic UK / EU Future

Macron’s internal policies are not radical enough although it is a start. The French public are generally a gullible unrealistic bunch who behave like children wanting to be told everything is fine so just keep spending borrowed money.
Macron’s external policies are flawed, nobody now buys into his United States of Europe vision. Even his love- in with Trump has turned sour. He has become an embarrassment.

 

Sir Graham Brady says that some Tory MPs claim to have written to him asking for a leadership election, when they haven't. I wonder which are the ones telling porkies? I can think of one or two who don't actually seem to know what day of the week it is.

 

One for the ERG-fanatic on here

https://www.heraldscotland.com/opin...geneva-could-make-the-london-drama-pointless/

 

For those of us who have lived here for a long time, we have had all the rights of any other EU national. A freedom to live as we choose within the law, the right to travel around 28 countries, the right to work here, the recognition of our qualifications, cooperation to ensure we can all receive medical care, the security of shared information on criminals, etc. the list goes on. Now due to an ill informed referendum when many were told that they could have everything they desired at no cost, many of these rights are to be withdrawn.
It was never necessary to have a plastic card or piece of paper to say that you legally resided here. When I arrived in 2007 I inquired should I get any proof that I was legally here. It wasn't required, a UK passport was complete proof of your rights. Join up with the medical service, let the town hall know that you were here, and receive your council tax bill.
Due to the result of the referendum the situation has changed. If you wish to leave the EU for travel, and go to the UK or Botswana, then you will have to obtain proof of residence when you wish to come back to your own home. As there was no uniform system to deal with this it has created a huge problem for the authorities. However they have produced a new system, with websites set up, details of what you need to prove that you do live here, and meetings set up all around the country with English speakers to help make the process as simple as possible.
Compare this with what is happening in the UK. A system for registering that you are an EU citizen is still being developed. Already that has run into trouble by not working if you have the wrong smartphone. A cost for a family that is expensive, and is just another money making exercise. At least the French have a different view. Why should people have to pay to have their rights removed, That is why to obtain your proof of residence here is free.

 

We discussed this in depth the other week. It is a storm in a teacup according to the experts. It will not stop the UK continuing to trade on WTO rules.

 

Fortunately I took German nationality around about the time of the Scottish referendum Frenchie - saw what was coming maybe ? It also was just after the death of my father, who may have had problems with me if I had done it during his lifetime (what with losing an eye in World War 2). For those now it is a race against time to secure German nationality - as long as they do it before a possible hard Brexit, then they can hold onto British nationality as well (Germany only recognises dual nationality within the EU - but they will extend this to the end of the transition period, if there is one). Those here at the time of Brexit (even a hard one) are ok. at least as far as having the right to stay - we don't need a residence permit because when you register at the local town hall you get a written confirmation, which doubles up as a residence permit. The costs of applying for German nationality are very high, and the costs which Britain charges,on top, for getting necessary documents out of the country, complete with Apostille Stamp are ridiculous. Life was all so simple for so many people for so long.

 

If only Hollande and Merkel had been reasonable with Cameron's modest request Brexit would not have happened.

 

As I said cologne, a UK passport was all that was required in France. For many things my French driving licence is as highly regarded as my passport until I want to cross the Channel. Some of my friends have applied for and received French nationality, and it was very expensive, especially when they had been divorced. But to say that you have the right to remain is regarded as something rather different, and I see the difference. Dual nationality is normal here, but if you live in an EU country where it is not acceptable, the cost to dispose of your UK nationality is way over the top. Yesterday at my monthly dinner with English friends the subject did come up. All of us had been to the UK recently, and couldn't believe that the government was trying to make money out of people who live and contribute so much to the country, who had no say in the referendum about their future.

 

Normal I suppose. Keep trying to blame others for the current mess.

 

They have actually raised the costs of renouncing UK. citizenship Frenchie, just to add insult to injury. I think that there are several EU. countries which don't recognize dual nationality with anyone - the Netherlands is one of those. Also the conditions for naturalizing are different in different countries - there is no real standard process. One of the strangest is Switzerland where after satisfying all of the conditions, they then take a vote of the people where you live as to whether you are accepted or not. One poor woman was refused because she had been too vocal in opposition to the cows having to wear bells in the place she lived !

 

I'm pleased the EU leaders and eurocrats wildly underestimated the resolve and common sense of the UK public.

 

What are you saying? That the EU organised the referendum.

 

When they sent Cameron away empty handed they might as well have organised it. We must also thank Obama for his valuable contribution towards Brexit.

 

You really are all at sea tonight SH. How is the ERG plea for money coming along?

 

No, I flew back from Spain last night. Bit nippy back in the Home Counties.

 

I've got some Conservative Association raffle tickets, only £1 each? PM me later for details.

 

I thought you were a n ERG fan and not a Tory one. £1 each shows how difficult they are to move these days. Last time I was offered one they were a fiver.

 

The ERG group had singled you out as an easy touch, £1 each or £11 for a book of 10.

 

I see that the largest fall in house prices has moved out of London to Rickmansworth with a 7% fall. Getting nearer SH.

 

The DUP have abstained on a Budget vote.
Reports suggest they are looking to send a message to Downing Street that the confidence and supply agreement is under threat. Not looking good for this minority government.